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Celiac Disease Symptoms: Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is a common but treatable mental illness that can cause changes in mood, thought, and behavior. Depression causes continuous or long-lasting feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest, and these feelings can interfere with everyday life. Depression can run in families, and a person can experience depression at any age. Depression is also twice as common in women as in men. Common signs and symptoms of depression include:

  • Sadness
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Decreased energy
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Abnormal sleep habits
  • Change in appetite
  • And more

This condition is often successfully treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. However, many individuals with depression do not seek treatment due to judgment and stigma. Depression is not a character flaw or sign of weakness.

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, we encourage seeking support and help from a medical provider.

What is the Connection between Celiac Disease and Depression?

  • According to various studies, malabsorption (the inability to absorb nutrients from food) can potentially influence brain functions.
  • When the intestines are damaged, more substances can pass through the gut and into the bloodstream. It has been found that some substances have an impact on brain function.
  • The risk for developing depression is 1.8 times more likely for people with celiac disease in comparison to the general population.
  • Adopting a gluten-free diet can help alleviate depression symptoms for people with celiac disease.
  • Depression can occur in people after diagnosis because of the significant impact on daily life and the challenges and stress that can come with managing a chronic condition and a gluten-free diet.
  • Depression has also been linked to non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Where Can I Learn More?

Do you or a family member suffer from depression? You may have celiac disease. Find out now. Take our Celiac Disease Symptoms Checklist.

Think you may have celiac disease?

Symptoms Checklist
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