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1. A 45-year-old woman with a history of depression and
anxiety is referred to a nutritionist by her psychiatrist. She
reports feeling low, irritable, and having trouble sleeping.
She also admits to binge eating high-carbohydrate and
high-fat foods, especially at night. What is the most likely
explanation for her food cravings?
a) She has low levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are
neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and reward
processing. Eating carbohydrates and fats can increase the
synthesis and release of these neurotransmitters, providing
temporary relief from her negative emotions.
b) She has high levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone
that stimulates appetite and promotes fat storage. Eating
carbohydrates and fats can lower cortisol levels, reducing
stress and anxiety.
c) She has low levels of leptin and high levels of ghrelin,
which are hormones that regulate hunger and satiety.
Eating carbohydrates and fats can increase leptin levels and
decrease ghrelin levels, restoring the balance between
hunger and fullness signals.
d) She has low levels of melatonin, which is a hormone that
regulates circadian rhythms and sleep quality. Eating
carbohydrates and fats can increase melatonin production,
improving sleep onset and duration.
*Answer: a) She has low levels of serotonin and dopamine,
which are neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation
and reward processing. Eating carbohydrates and fats can
increase the synthesis and release of these
neurotransmitters, providing temporary relief from her
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