What Are The Effects Of Depression On The Brain?
Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Besides pushing a person into a gloomy and dejected state of mind, it also causes damage to the brain permanently. It changes the physical shape of the brain, which as a result causes major changes in behaviour and cognition.
Depression primarily affects three areas of the brain, which control memory and concentration. Almost 20 percent of depression patients never make a full recovery.
Brain damage occurs due to persistent depression rather than being a predisposing factor for it. Depression affects the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex of the brain. Here are the effects of depression on the brain.
No, this is not a massive mammal that lives in the wetlands of Africa. A vital organ located bang in the middle of the brain, the hippocampus rapidly generates new connections between cells. It stores memories and regulates the production of a hormone called cortisol.
The body releases cortisol during times of depression, physical and mental stress. Stressful events or chemical imbalance in the body can cause excessive amounts of cortisol, which further complicates the condition. Excess cortisol level in the body is linked to obesity, which gives rise to numerous diseases. In a healthy brain, neurones (brain cells) are produced throughout a person’s adult life in the hippocampus. But, among individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), long-term exposure to increased cortisol levels reduces the production of new neurones and causes the neurones in the hippocampus to shrink.
Using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data involving almost 9000 people from around the world, an international team of researchers observed that people who suffered recurring bouts of depression also had a smaller hippocampus.
The relationship between severe depression and the hippocampus is toxic. The duration of past depression impairs memory performance, pointing to a toxic link between depression and cognition. This calls for an urgent addressing of the problem of depression for public health.
2. Amygdala
The amygdala is responsible for emotional responses such as pleasure and fear. In people with MDD, due to continuous exposure to high levels of cortisol, the amygdala becomes enlarged and more active. An enlarged and hyperactive amygdala, combined with abnormal activity in other parts of the brain results in disturbances in sleep and activity patterns. It also makes the body release irregular amounts of hormones and other chemicals in the body, resulting in further complications.
3. Prefrontal Cortex
The prefrontal cortex is located in the very front of the frontal lobe. It is responsible for a variety of complex behaviours, regulating emotions, making decisions, planning, forming memories and greatly contributes to personality development. Excessive production of Cortisol causes the prefrontal cortex to shrink.
The frontal lobes are much bigger than the hippocampus. The study that observed the shrinkage in both areas concluded that the frontal lobe undergoes the same changes as the hippocampus. The frontal lobes are also directly involved in managing emotional reactions and focusing attention. Shrinking frontal lobes is just as critical as the shrinking of the hippocampi.
Can Cortisol Be The Culprit?
Researchers acknowledge the fact that high cortisol levels play a crucial role in modifying the physical structure and chemical activities of the brain, triggering the onset of MDD. Under normal circumstances, cortisol levels peak during the day and decrease at night. In people with MDD, cortisol levels are always at an increased level, even at night.7
Can Meditation Help?
Meditation is a powerful method to overcome depression and help the brain to recover from the damage caused due to depression. Research has shown that meditation can actually increase the density of the brain.
4. Supplementation – Is it an Option?
According to people, who experience anxiety and depression, right after opening their eyes, taking Stress Relief and Anxiety supplements was helping them a lot! Their advice ie to choose a premium blend of herbal ingredients designed to provide results is an alternative method to MAINTAIN A BALANCED, POSITIVE MOOD. Supplements containing pure non-artificial or addictive ingredients, drug free and non-habit forming to give you the peace of mind is an option. Knowing what you're taking is safe and will not be subject to any harmful side effects is a must. Read labels, or reviews, talk to friends.
source: Stress and Depression
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