therapeutic role of magnesium in different depressive syndromes of female patients

ABSTRACT

Numerous studies have proven that low levels of B vitamins, vitamins C and magnesium have been associated with depression. These all help in the brain's production of neurotransmitters and may enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant medications. Calcium and magnesium have a soothing effect on the nerves and can be particularly helpful when depression interferes with sleep. Previous studies have shown that there are depleted magnesium levels in the depressed patients. The present study is based on the finding that magnesium supplements can reduce the signs and symptoms of depression. In this experiment behavioral and somatic features were evaluated such as agitation, guilt feeling, psychomotor retardation, insomnia, anxiety, weight loss, hypochondria which are the hall marks of clinical depression. The female subjects who were diagnosed with clinical depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder were treated with daily dose of 360 mg. of magnesium. Depression was evaluated for three months. Nearly all the female patients responded positively to the magnesium therapy with elevation of mood, relaxation and sleep duration