How Depression Affects the Brain
By Angel Merchan
Effects of Depression
According to webmd.com, depression physically affects the brain in numerous ways. For example, gray matter volume has a plethora of brain cells, and depression can cause the brain’s gray matter volume to shrink. The areas of the brain where the gray matter shrinks are the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. These areas of the brain are responsible for memory, learning, higher-level thinking, controlling emotions, responsiveness to stress hormones, motivation, sleep, and appetite. Gray matter increases in the amygdala, the brain's part responsible for processing emotions. The amygdala is also known as the catalyst for activating fear responses. People with major depression have a larger amygdala and commonly have anxiety-related disorders.
Depression and Inflammation in the Brain
In the same way, people with depression often have inflammation of the brain. Depression and brain inflammation are strongly correlated; inflammation also has a wide array of effects on the brain. Some of the effects of the inflammation are brain cell damage or death, inhibition of new cell growth, issues with cognition, and accelerated brain aging. It is still unknown if the inflammation causes depression or if depression causes the inflammation. People with major depression have high translocator protein levels associated with brain inflammation.
The Importance of Treatment for Depression
All in all, it is easy to see that depression has many effects on the brain, both physically and psychologically. All of the effects of depression on the brain are very serious and should not be taken lightly. When compared, the scans of a healthy brain and one affected by depression look very different. Prolonged untreated depression is terrible for you mentally and affects your overall health. Research has shown that with time, treatment, and effort, brains affected by depression can be restored to a healthy state. Therefore, if you feel you may have any of these symptoms, the sooner you resolve this issue, the better.
How We Can Help
At Mental Map to Wellness, there is an emphasis on training the mind with the tools necessary for healing. We believe in giving you a clear path with steps to help you through your healing journey. Contact us today; together, we'll find a healing path for you.
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