DEPRESSION OR CANCER - THE CHOICE BETWEEN SEROTONIN OR MELATONIN

Stress causes disturbances of monoamine functioning and may result in a serotonin deficiency which is manifested, as depression. In some hum ans, stress does not, however, cause depression. It is hypothesized th at in these individuals, melatonin, which is normally a product of ser otonin, may be converted back to its precursor and thus replenish sero tonin stores. These people are thus not depressed and are characterize d by their pleasant, unassertive nature. Their lowered melatonin level s may, however, signal an increased risk for cancer. It is therefore p ostulated that unresolved stress results in either depression (with lo w serotonin) or cancer (as a result of decreased melatonin), depending on individual personality traits and biochemistry.