Creatine vs. Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD.

This morning was tough. I woke up to a string of messages and a phone call that shattered my heart - a comrade in arms that I had deployed to Afghanistan with, took his own life last night after battling with PTSD. It's a stark reminder of how deeply PTSD affects so many veterans and law enforcement members, including my own friends and family. Each loss feels like a personal defeat, a reminder of how critical it is to find effective ways to manage and heal from this invisible wound.

As I've been delving into research on health supplements, I found that creatine could offer a glimmer of hope. Creatine supplementation, commonly known for its benefits in muscle performance, might also play a significant role in aiding the treatment of PTSD, alongside anxiety and depression. Here's what I've learned from recent studies:

Creatine and PTSD: An open-label study by Amital et al. (2006) found that creatine monohydrate might provide modest benefits in treatment-resistant PTSD cases, improving sleep, depressive symptoms, and PTSD symptomatology.

Brain Function and Creatine: Forbes et al. (2022) in their narrative review suggest that creatine could increase brain creatine content, potentially aiding cognitive function, depression, and recovery from traumatic brain injuries. Although more research is needed, there's a suggestion that creatine could be beneficial for those dealing with the aftermath of trauma.

Stress Recovery: A study on US Veterans showed that higher creatine concentrations in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were associated with better recovery from traumatic stress (research paper on Creatine concentration in the ACC). This indicates that creatine might not just be a muscle supplement but also a neurochemical ally in the battle against PTSD.

I share this not just for academic interest but from a place of deep personal concern. If this information can help even one person, then it's worth spreading. If you or someone you know is wrestling with PTSD, please consider the following:

Seek Professional Help: There's strength in seeking support. Talk to someone, whether it's a mental health professional, a support group, or a trusted friend or family member.

Explore Creatine Supplementation: While it's not a cure, the emerging research suggests it might be part of a broader treatment strategy. Always consult with healthcare providers before starting any supplement, especially when dealing with complex conditions like PTSD.

Remember You're Not Alone: PTSD is common among those who've served or work in high-stress environments. Your struggle is valid, and there are people and resources out there to help you through this.

I recommend creatine supplementation to most everyone I coach because it significantly aids in muscle development and athletic performance. Turns out it can also help your mental performance.

references:

Amital, D., Vishne, T., Roitman, S., Kotler, M., & Levine, J. (2006). Open study of creatine monohydrate in treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 67(5), 836–837. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.v67n0521c

Forbes, S. C., Cordingley, D. M., Cornish, S. M., Gualano, B., Roschel, H., Ostojic, S. M., Rawson, E. S., Roy, B. D., Prokopidis, K., Giannos, P., & Candow, D. G. (2022). Effects of creatine supplementation on brain function and health. Nutrients, 14(5), 921. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14050921

Yancey, J. R., Ma, J., Subramaniam, P., Carson, C. N., McGlade, E. C., Yurgelun-Todd, D. A., & Renshaw, P. F. (2024). Creatine concentration in the anterior cingulate cortex is associated with greater stress recovery from traumatic events: Preliminary evidence from a US Veteran sample. Journal of Affective Disorders, 355, 115-121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.152

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