[Carbohydrates and depression].

Abstract

In the past decade, several related behavioural disorders have been recognized which are characterized by disturbances of mood and appetite. Some authors have reported that a significant number of patients suffering from some of these diseases, i.e. subtypes of atypical depression or obesity, crave carbohydrates. It is suggested that the common neurobiological substrate for this symptom is disturbed function of central serotonin, which may play a role in the regulation of carbohydrate intake. Other authors have disputed hypothetical regulation of carbohydrate intake by serotonin and doubt the existence of true carbohydrate cravers. Evidence from basal and clinical studies of these topics is reported and discussed.