The Muscle Immobility of Depression—The Weightlessness Within

    January 2012 in “ Psychology ”
    Berislav Momčilović, Juraj Prejac, Vjeran Višnjević, Stipe Drmić, Ninoslav Mimica, Željka Bukovec-Megla, Sanja Brundić, Anatoly V. Skalny
    TLDR Depression may be linked to changes in body electrolytes and muscle inactivity, similar to effects of weightlessness.
    The study investigated the role of bioelements in depression by analyzing hair sodium and potassium levels in 311 adults, including 119 with major unipolar depression. Results showed that depressed individuals had increased hair sodium and potassium, indicating a negative electrolyte balance, similar to changes observed in astronauts after space missions. Additionally, antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels were decreased in depressed individuals who attempted suicide. These findings suggested a potential link between depression-related muscle inactivity and a hypothetical brain control mechanism affected by gravity, akin to conditions experienced in weightlessness.
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