Summary of Neuroscience of Depression

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Depression is a mental disorder characterized by low mood and decreased interest in activities. The cause of depression is unknown, but it may be linked to changes in neurogenesis or our immune system. Therapy can be very effective at treating depression.

• 00:00:00 Depression is a serious psychological condition that can significantly affect someone's daily life. The symptoms can vary in severity and duration, but most people experience changes in mood, sleeping habits, appetite, and thoughts of suicide. There is evidence that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but this theory is no longer accepted. Researchers are exploring other possible causes, including changes in brain structure and plasticity.
• 00:05:00 Depression is a mental disorder characterized by low mood, decreased interest in activities, and reduced energy. The cause of depression is unknown, but it may be linked to changes in neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells. Treating the condition with antidepressants may increase the formation of new brain cells. Depressed patients taking antidepressants have higher levels of BDNF, which supports neurogenesis. Another theory about depression links it to our immune system. Research has found that patients with depression have unusually high levels of cytokines, which play a big role in the inflammatory response that kicks off when your body is responding to an injury. Cytokines are involved in sickness behavior. This theory proposes that high cytokine levels, caused by stress, can impact normal neurotransmitter signaling, leading to the symptoms of depression. Therapy can be very effective at treating depression. About one in every three people will find that cognitive behavioral therapy alone can improve their symptoms. Micah is making a video all about the psychology of depression. And how it’s treated in a clinical setting. There are also a number of antidepressants available on the market.