Riya Baibhawi

Depression Shrinks Your Brain, Could Lead To Memory Loss

Depression

<span>American Psychological Association</span> (<span>APA</span>) defines <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/depression">depression</a></span> as a serious <span>mental health</span> condition that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or irritability accompanied by physical and cognitive changes that significantly impair a person's ability to function in his regular life. Now, research has discovered that depression also has a profound impact on the structure and function of the <span>brain</span>.

<h2>What Exactly Happens To A Depressed Brain?</h2>There is empirical evidence that shows that depression shrinks several parts of the brain. For instance, the hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortices—areas essential for memory, emotion regulation, and cognitive functions—may be significantly reduced in size in individuals experiencing depression. The degree of shrinkage correlates with the duration and severity of depressive episodes.

<h2>What is the result of such shrinkage? </h2>

The individual feels less empathy and their emotional regulation also gets impaired. This potentially contributes to symptoms like anhedonia (loss of interest in activities) and difficulties in perceiving or managing emotions. When depression coexists with anxiety, the amygdala, responsible for emotional processing and the body's fight-or-flight response, often increases in size.

Brain inflammation is another critical factor linked to depression. Studies reveal that chronic depressive states are associated with increased brain inflammation, which can damage brain cells, reduce neuroplasticity, and disrupt neurotransmitter functioning. For individuals with long-term major depressive disorder (MDD), this inflammation appears more severe, heightening the risk of cognitive decline and emotional dysregulation.

This mental health condition has a significant impact on neurotransmitter balance, resulting in either over or underproduction of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This can also lead to reduced brain volume and altered connectivity between brain regions. Overactivity or underactivity in specific brain circuits has been observed in depressive individuals, contributing to symptoms such as dysphoria, rumination, and emotional hypersensitivity. Experimental treatments, like neurostimulation devices, show promise in resetting these disrupted circuits.

Moreover, the oxygen supply to the brain also is cut down. It happens because this mental health condition might lead to breathing irregularities. Hypoxia triggers brain inflammation and cell death, impairing memory, learning, and mood regulation. Interestingly, treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy have shown potential in alleviating depressive symptoms by enhancing oxygen circulation.

It must be noted that depression has become a new-age epidemic affecting nearly 5% of the global population. Here are a few therapies that a person can use to treat depression.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most evidence-based treatments for depression. It focuses on identifying and altering negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to depressive symptoms.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is useful, especially for people whose depression has stemmed from challenges in relationships. It is a short-term therapy, that lasts for 12 to 16 weeks and focuses on improving communication, conflict resolution and building a strong and supportive network

Mindfulness-based therapies integrate mindfulness principles to help manage depressive symptoms. These approaches, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), emphasize present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is yet another example that cannot be seen as a separate approach as it combines elements of CBT with mindfulness practices, making it effective for treating depression and other mood disorders. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, DBT targets negative thought patterns and emotional dysregulation.

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American Psychological Association (APA) defines depression as a serious mental health condition that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or irritability accompanied by physical and cognitive changes that significantly impair a person's ability to function in his regular life. Now, research has discovered that depression also has a profound impact on the structure and function of the brain.What Exactly Happens To A Depressed Brain?There is empirical evidence that shows that depression shrinks several parts of the brain. For instance, the hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortices—areas essential for memory, emotion regulation, and cognitive functions—may be significantly reduced in size in individuals experiencing depression. The degree of shrinkage correlates with the duration and severity of depressive episodes.What is the result of such shrinkage? The individual feels less empathy and their emotional regulation also gets impaired. This potentially contributes to symptoms like anhedonia (loss of interest in activities) and difficulties in perceiving or managing emotions. When depression coexists with anxiety, the amygdala, responsible for emotional processing and the body's fight-or-flight response, often increases in size.Brain inflammation is another critical factor linked to depression. Studies reveal that chronic depressive states are associated with increased brain inflammation, which can damage brain cells, reduce neuroplasticity, and disrupt neurotransmitter functioning. For individuals with long-term major depressive disorder (MDD), this inflammation appears more severe, heightening the risk of cognitive decline and emotional dysregulation.This mental health condition has a significant impact on neurotransmitter balance, resulting in either over or underproduction of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This can also lead to reduced brain volume and altered connectivity between brain regions. Overactivity or underactivity in specific brain circuits has been observed in depressive individuals, contributing to symptoms such as dysphoria, rumination, and emotional hypersensitivity. Experimental treatments, like neurostimulation devices, show promise in resetting these disrupted circuits.Moreover, the oxygen supply to the brain also is cut down. It happens because this mental health condition might lead to breathing irregularities. Hypoxia triggers brain inflammation and cell death, impairing memory, learning, and mood regulation. Interestingly, treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy have shown potential in alleviating depressive symptoms by enhancing oxygen circulation.Treating Depression It must be noted that depression has become a new-age epidemic affecting nearly 5% of the global population. Here are a few therapies that a person can use to treat depression.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most evidence-based treatments for depression. It focuses on identifying and altering negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to depressive symptoms.Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is useful, especially for people whose depression has stemmed from challenges in relationships. It is a short-term therapy, that lasts for 12 to 16 weeks and focuses on improving communication, conflict resolution and building a strong and supportive networkMindfulness-based therapies integrate mindfulness principles to help manage depressive symptoms. These approaches, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), emphasize present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance.Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is yet another example that cannot be seen as a separate approach as it combines elements of CBT with mindfulness practices, making it effective for treating depression and other mood disorders. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, DBT targets negative thought patterns and emotional dysregulation.