The Link between Insulin Resistance and Depression – An interview with Dr. Natalie Rasgon

Metabolic dysfunction, such as insulin resistance and pre-diabetes, is closely associated with symptoms of depression. But how do we know if metabolic dysfunction causes depression? Or if metabolic therapies could treat depression? Those are more difficult questions to answer, but there is accumulating biological evidence that links insulin resistance and depressive disorders.

Dr. Natalie Rasgon, a psychiatrist and clinician-researcher at Stanford University, published an important paper suggesting a possible causative role. Her research showed that measures of insulin resistance predicted the incidence of major depressive disorder. We discuss the background and findings of the study, as well as the take-home message–screening for and treating metabolic dysfunction can improve symptoms of depression.

Experts featured in this video: Natalie Rasgon, MD PhD Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University https://profiles.stanford.edu/natalie-rasgon

Articles referenced in this video: Incident major depressive disorder predicted by three measures of insulin resistance: A Dutch cohort study https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.20101479

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About us: Metabolic Mind™ is a nonprofit initiative incubated by Baszucki Group. Our mission is to provide education and resources in the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry, including ketogenic interventions for mental disorders. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications. #MetabolicMind #KetoForMentalHealth #MetabolicPsychiatry #BipolarTreatment #MetabolicNeuroscience #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #DepressionTreatment#NutritionalKetosis#MentalIllnessTreatment#MentalHealthIsMetabolicHealth#BipolarDiet#insulinresistance #InsulinResistanceDepression#TreatmentResistantDepression