“What happens in the brain during depression?”

In depression, important brain regions don't work properly. One of the most important areas is called the hippocampus and it shrinks after repeated bouts of depression, which is why it is so important to treat depression early on. The hippocampus is the seat of emotions like anxiety and depression. It also plays an essential role in memory and cognition. Nerve cells in the hippocampus are very sensitive to stress and oxygen deprivation. But, hippocampal neurons can rebound with stress reduction and recovery from depressive episodes. Other areas of the brain, especially the frontal cortex, are also effected by depression. An interesting phenomenon is that psychotherapy for depression and medication for depression improves and restores function in different areas of the frontal lobes. It is believed that medicines for depression alter function at synapses, the connection between brain cells; thereby facilitating better functioning of brain networks. Electrical stimulation of areas deep in the frontal cortex can improve mood in severely depressed individuals. The healthy brain needs the individual to get a reasonable amount physical activity, a healthy amount of sleep, good blood flow and hydration, adequate nutrition and social and intellectual stimulation.

Jeffrey Deitz, MD

Mechanism of depression still unknown. You probably do not see visible change in brain, but so-called neurotransmitter imbalance may happen. The role of medication is to rebalance neurotransmitters. Some organic brain illnesses can also have depression as part of clinical presentations.
Thank you!

Very, very brilliant question! We currently assume that there are changes in the neurotransmitters within certain parts of the brain. So when we either help the brain out by talking therapy or by giving medication‘s to specifically help the depression, then the neurotransmitters and the portions of the brain responsible for those Nero transmitters, come back into a healthy balance.

Lance Steinberg MD, Inc.

This is a pretty sophisticated question. My guess is you are someone that could easily research and read about serotonin receptors, dopamine receptors, up-regulation, down-regulation, etc. I could provide you with a neurobiological explanation involving fMRI scans of folks treated and untreated depression. Certainly, the very definition of depression is all brain/mind. From cognitive, mood and even perceptual issues at times to name but a few. I'm most interested in what information do you really seek? Do you want to understand does all depression need medication? Not necessarily, but sometimes it is essential Does psychotherapy help? Yes! Psychotherapy alone actually causes positive changes at the receptor level in the brain. Is the combination of medication and therapy useful? Absolutely. Do you need both? Not always, but it's a powerful combination. Does depression cause functional changes to the brain? Yes, as mentioned above. And the good news is, it's reversible and treatable!

Sincerely,

Renee S. Kohanski, M.D.

Usually the brain is depleted of certain neurotransmitters. Medications are used to restore the balance of these substances.