Melancholic Depression

Gallbladder removal is associated with approximately a 20% decreased risk of depression. The word 'melancholy' derives from the Greek for 'black bile', and the medieval melancholic temperament included not only sadness but also bloating, abdominal distension, and constipation. Depression with accompanying digestive symptoms such as bloating, distension, and constipation may be a downstream consequence of bile deficiency rather than a primary neurotransmitter disorder. Gallstones are associated with an approximately 80% increased risk of depression.