4 Ways Depression Can Physically Affect The Brain
Although it may seem that depression is an exclusively emotional condition that alters only mood and feelings, those who suffer from it can also suffer physical and chemical changes in the brain that can affect not only mental health, but the rest of the body.
This is a more pervasive global problem than you might think. According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people suffer from depression in the world. An average of 800,000 people commit suicide each year due to problems such as depression. In addition, this is the leading cause of death among young people between 15 and 29 years old.
Depression is not a temporary emotional change. The alterations that it produces in the brain make it difficult to control in those who suffer from it. For that reason, it is important to recognize it and treat it with a specialist, instead of thinking that it is a bad mood that will disappear by itself.
What are the changes that depression can cause in the brain?
Three parts of the brain are directly affected by depression : the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex. In the next space we review them in detail.
1. Reduction of the hippocampus
This is indicated by studies such as the one published in 1999 in The Journal of Neuroscience . The hippocampus is located in the central area of the brain. It is in charge of storing memory and regulating the production of cortisol, known as the stress hormone.
When we suffer from physical or mental stress, including depression stress, the body releases cortisol to try to mitigate the effects of stress. However, when cortisol levels are very high, a chemical imbalance occurs, neuron production decreases, and the hippocampus shrinks.
2. Altered prefrontal cortex activity
As indicated in an investigation published in 2006 by the Chilean Journal of Neuropsychiatry, the medial prefrontal cortex is responsible for controlling alertness, autonomic control, and emotional control.
In depression, the activity of the prefrontal cortex is impaired. Specifically, according to German researchers in the journal Psychiatry Research , during depression there is an alteration in the functioning of this part of the brain during cognitive tasks (such as working memory, for example).
3. Hyperactivation of the amygdala
The brain amygdala is located in the temporal lobe, the lower central part of the brain. Its function is to regulate emotions such as pleasure, happiness or fear, among others.
In depression, the amygdala becomes overactivated. Thus, it seems that this hyperarousal could also create a cognitive bias towards interpreting the world and oneself in a negative way, according to the University of Queensland.
4. Reduction of neuronal size in some brain areas
According to research published in 2012 by the journal CNS Drugs, depression could also show a reduction in the density of large neurons in some layers of the prefrontal cortex.
What are the effects of these depression disorders?
These brain alterations do not occur immediately, but are the product of the continued action of depression. Research such as that published in 2008 by the journal JAMA Psychiatry suggests that the reduction of the hypothalamus and the prefrontal cortex activity can take between 8 and 10 months to manifest.
Dr. Thomas Frodl, a researcher at the Magdeburg hospital in Germany, followed patients with depression for three years to see that physical changes in the brain are increasing over time.
Some of the consequences that the physical and chemical changes that depression produces in the brain can be:
- Memory loss
- Decreased function of neurotransmitters
- Stagnation of brain development
- Decreased ability to learn
- Cognitive problems
- Concentration problems
- Changes in mood
- Lack of empathy towards others
- Difficulty to sleep
- Fatigue
How to treat the effects of depression on the brain?
The treatment of depression should be guided by a professional. This will determine if it is necessary to resort to antidepressants and / or psychotherapy.
Research such as that published in 2013 by Frontiers in Psychology provides evidence that psychotherapy helps modify the structure of the brain and combat the symptoms of depression. That is why it is necessary to seek professional help when depression is suspected.
There are also things that a person with depression can do on their own to help improve their brain function and fight depression.
- Controlling stress
- Do exercise
- Eat healthy
- Sleep well
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
In short, depression is a disorder that goes beyond mood swings. Although it is not visible to the naked eye, the brain undergoes physical changes that can interfere with general well-being. If you suspect that you have symptoms, we recommend that you consult a psychologist or psychiatrist.
