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