Depression is a complex psychiatric disorder that extends far beyond feelings of persistent sadness. It affects how someone feels, thinks, and behaves, leading to various physical and social repercussions. Growing evidence suggests that depression can even alter the brain physically, shrinking several areas of the brain, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Neurological disorders are conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerve functions, causing symptoms in how a person moves, thinks, and feels. Given the current findings on brain structure changes, it raises the question: is depression a neurological disorder?
A 2010 article in NursingTimes reported that depression is a true neurological disease associated with dysfunction of specific brain regions and not simply a consequence of psychological issues and bad lifestyles. The article also referenced a study presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress in Amsterdam, which revealed that MRIs of individuals with depression showed abnormalities in certain brain regions. Additionally, researchers have found a comorbidity between depressive symptoms and neurological disorders.
While depression is classified as a mental health issue, it undeniably possesses neurological aspects. The physical changes in the brain can lead to several symptoms associated with neurological disorders, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, sleep problems, and even physical pain. Depression is a chronic mental health disorder, which means it may never fully go away. However, with effective treatment, many individuals can manage their symptoms and live seemingly normal lives.
What Happens in the Brain During Depression?
Healthline recently published an article discussing the impact of depression on the brain. According to research from 2021, major depressive disorder (MDD) leads to significant changes in both brain volume and activity. Here are some of the ways depression can alter brain function:
- Brain shrinkage: Studies indicate that depression can shrink several areas of the brain, areas that regulate memory, learning, emotional regulation, impulse control, and relaying of information around the brain.
- Brian inflammation: There is evidence that suggests there is irregular immune system activity in those with depression, which can lead to brain inflammation. However, inflammation causes depression or vice versa.
- Structural differences: Imbalances in key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine have been linked to depression. These imbalances may contribute to the observed decrease in brain volume in those affected by depression.
- Oxygen restriction to the brain. Depression can increase the risk of respiratory issues, such as asthma, COPD, and sleep apnea, and decrease lung function, all of which lower oxygen levels in the body and, subsequently the brain. Reduced oxygen to the brain can lead to inflammation, brain cell injury, and brain cell death.
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What Part of the Brain Is Most Affected by Depression?
Studies using MRI imaging have shown that several areas of the brain can be affected by depression, specifically shrinking these areas. The most significantly impacted areas include:
- Hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in memory, learning, and perception of space.
- Prefrontal cortices, which are essential for cognitive functions, attention, emotional responses, and impulse regulation.
- Amygdala, responsible for managing emotions and memory.
- Thalamus acts as a relay station for information between the cerebral cortex and the brain stem, the part of the brain that regulates vital body functions like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep.
Considering the areas of the brain affected, depression may cause memory loss and other neurological issues. A study published by the Department of Neurological Sciences at Rush Medical College indicates that many of these brain structures affected by depression are also observed in patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s dementia. This article highlights recent data showing depression as a risk factor for the development of these same neurological disorders while also having a negative impact on the progression and outcomes. These researchers propose that this data supports enough evidence to suggest that bipolar disorders and depression may be neurological disorders with psychiatric symptoms.
How to Pull Yourself Out of Depression
Experiencing moments or phases of depression is something everyone goes through, but there are effective strategies to help pull yourself out of it. However, major depression is a serious mood disorder that can worsen without treatment, even leading to suicidal ideation and behaviors. It’s crucial to not rely on self-help techniques in these cases. Small changes to daily routine, diet, and lifestyle habits can help pull you out of depression, but professional depression treatment, including therapy and medications, is best suited for those with major depressive disorder. A well-rounded approach that combines therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications can provide long-term management of depressive disorders.
Some ways to cope with depression and improve your overall sense of well-being include:
- Stay connected with loved ones. Withdrawing from friends and family can make your depression worse, so try to continue socializing to improve your mood.
- Be more active. Regular exercise can help regulate brain chemistry and improve your mood; even taking a 20-minute walk can be helpful.
- Eat a healthy diet. Vitamins and minerals found in nutritious meals are essential precursors to neurotransmitters that regulate mental health. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and omega-3s is important.
- Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol and drugs can negatively impact mental health. While it is tempting to self-medicate your feelings with substances, they can make things worse in the long run.
- Find creative outlets. Creativity and a sense of fun can help lift you out of a blue mood by boosting serotonin and dopamine. Try things like painting, drawing, writing, cooking, baking, dancing, and playing or listening or music.
- Keep a gratitude journal. Writing down the things that you are thankful for can help you focus on the positive instead of dwelling on the negative.
How to Reset Your Brain From Depression?
Depression can cause physical changes to the brain, but the good news is that the brain’s neuroplasticity allows it to recover by regenerating affected areas and reestablishing connections. Many of the above-mentioned strategies used to cope with depression can also help the brain’s neuroplasticity. Living a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, nutritious foods, and self-expression are all excellent ways to help your mind and body heal from the effects of depression. More importantly, comprehensive treatment through therapy and medication can stop injury to the brain and allow it to heal itself. Medications, in particular, have been shown to positively influence neuroplasticity and reverse structural changes in the brain. Therapists often use a variety of psychotherapy techniques, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help patients manage their depressive symptoms and learn effective coping techniques. Furthermore, studies suggest that meditation can also help reset the brain, boosting its neuroplasticity and ability to grow new neural connections.
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Moment of Clarity: A Place to Heal Neurological Disorders Like Depression
Is depression a neurological disorder? Research indicates that depression can significantly alter brain structure and function, so much so that many experts now consider depression a neurological disorder. Fortunately, these physical changes can be reversed through depression treatment. Moment of Clarity is a mental health center with a dedicated team of professionals specializing in depressive disorders. Our programs are customized for each individual, incorporating a blend of therapy, medication, and holistic approaches to address all aspects of depressive disorders. Without treatment, depression can worsen, negatively impacting both mental and physical health. Early intervention is crucial, as it not only lowers the risk of deteriorating health but also improves treatment outcomes.
If you are facing challenges with depression, remember that there is hope, and you can achieve the happy, fulfilling life you envision. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at 949-625-0564 to discover more about our treatment options.
External Sources
- Department of Neurological Science, Rush Medical College – Is major depression a neurological disorder with psychiatric symptoms?
- NursingTimes – Depression is ‘true neurological disease’
- HealthLine – How Depression Affects the Brain and How to Get Help
