The Impact of Intermittent Fasting as an Adjuvant Therapeutic Intervention for Major Depressive Disorder: A Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Intermittent fasting has previously been studied as an adjuvant therapeutic option in alleviating the symptoms of major depressive disorder. This literature review will discuss the mechanism in which intermittent fasting affects major depressive disorder. Methods: Relevant journal articles from the past 5 years were searched through PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalKey. Results: Research has shown that intermittent fasting alleviates the symptoms of depression through metabolic response mechanisms, increases in neurotransmitters and the neurotrophic BDNF, changes in the circadian rhythm, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and changes to the diet a gut microbiome. The intermittent fasting protocols vary by study; therefore, the most effective method should be ascertained. Conclusion: The results of several studies show a positive correlation between intermittent fasting and the alleviation of the symptoms of major depressive disorder. Additional research is needed to determine which method of intermittent fasting can most effectively be integrated as an adjuvant therapeutic option for major depressive disorder.