Full Text Full Text (PDF) Correction (v164,p1123) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Folstein, M. Articles by Qiu, W. W. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Folstein, M. Articles by Qiu, W. W. Neurophysiology Neurotransmitters Gender Geriatric Psychiatry Depression Stroke Genetics

The Homocysteine Hypothesis of Depression

High levels of homocysteine are associated with cerebrovascular disease, monoamine neurotransmitters, and depression of mood. A plausible hypothesis for these associations is that high homocysteine levels cause cerebral vascular disease and neurotransmitter deficiency, which cause depression of mood. The homocysteine depression hypothesis, if true, would mandate inclusions of imaging studies for cerebrovascular disease and measures of homocysteine, folate, and B₁₂ and B₆ vitamins in the clinical evaluation of older depressed patients. Longitudinal studies and clinical trials should be designed to challenge the hypothesis.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R.H. Belmaker and G. Agam Major Depressive Disorder N. Engl. J. Med., January 3, 2008; 358(1): 55 - 68. [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. HILLEMACHER, H. FRIELING, M. A.N. MUSCHLER, and S. BLEICH Homocysteine and Epigenetic DNA Methylation: A Biological Model for Depression? Am J Psychiatry, October 1, 2007; 164(10): 1610 - 1610. [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2007 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us