What is Altitude Induced Depression?

The western mountain states including Colorado are generally viewed as healthy and happy. What is strange is that they also have some of the highest rates of depression and suicide in the country. This is why a growing body of research has been compiled over many years and the current thought is that altitude itself is playing a significant role in both depression and suicide rates.

This phenomenon has been demonstrated worldwide in military populations and various industrial workers stationed at high altitude compared to their sea level counterparts.

Who’s at risk

While altitude induced depression can affect anyone living in a high-altitude environment it is most prevalent in people who have recently moved from a lower altitude environment. Over months to years the body acclimates to living at altitude and symptoms usually improve.

Symptoms

Symptoms include that of general depression listed below.

Feeling down, sad, or depressed most of the day

Not enjoying activities that used to be fun

Feeling low on energy

Having difficulty sleeping

Experiencing changes in appetite or weight

Having difficulty concentrating

Feeling lethargic or hyperactive

Feeling guilty or worthless

Having thoughts of suicide or death

In addition to these symptoms people with altitude induced depression may have a harder time with memory, performing cognitive based tasks, and concentrating.

Cause

The cause is thought to be largely due to transient lack of oxygen in the brain due to having less oxygen available in the atmosphere. Oxygen is a key component of several key proteins and neurotransmitters responsible for mood, concentration, memory, and cognitive processing.  In animal studies using a low oxygen environment is was found that the animals performed worse on mental tasks involving learning and memory, and that they had lower levels of certain neurotransmitters.  Similar results have again been found in human studies of people relocated to high altitude environments. The good news is that over time the body acclimates to a low oxygen environment and symptoms generally improve. Unfortunately, even with acclimation symptoms may not fully go away.

Treatment

Like other forms of depression treatment includes psychotherapy and medication. In addition, there are certain supplements that can help improve energy levels in the brain and improve mood, concentration, and overall brain function. My goal is to provide medical support and make recommendations on nutrition and supplements that can help support a healthy brain living at a high altitude.