A Depressed Brain vs. A Normal Brain

When people think about depression, their first thought is probably about the emotional effects of depression. However, what many people have not realized is that depression has had many different physical effects on the brain. Research on depressed brains and normal brains has revealed many differences in brain function, shape, and size.

Differences in The Brains:

One major difference between depressed brains and normal brains is size. People with major depressive disorder were found to have brain shrinkage. This is because the brain was exposed to a hormone called cortisol(stress hormone) for long periods of time. Studies have shown that long term exposure to high amounts of cortisol can actually cause brain shrinkage, especially in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex. The function of these structures are to regulate emotions, store memories, and control decision making and judgment. This could explain some of the symptoms of depression.

Another interesting difference between the brains is the volume of grey matter. It has been discovered that people with depression have smaller volumes of grey matter than people without depression. Grey matter is composed of the outer layer of the cerebral cortex and nerve fibers (white matter). Damage or reduction in volume over time can cause some physical symptoms of depression. If there is damage to the grey matter of the brain, the nerves in the brain are compromised, making it difficult for the brain to send signals to the body. Because of this, one with depression might experience headaches, back and spinal pain, exhaustion, feeling physically weak, and having other aches and pains. Of course there is most likely a combination of other factors, so keep that in mind when analyzing the physical symptoms of depression.

The last but most definitely not least, the brain function is an intriguing difference between the two. Series of PET scans and MRIs have been done for the research of depressed and normally functioning brains. One of the biggest differences between a depressed brain and a normal brain is that depressed brains are overall less active than normally functioning brains. This could be due to any number of factors: trauma, stress, chemical imbalances in the body, (etc.). While depressed brains have been statistically shown to be less active, there have also been situations where the depressed brain has a hyperactive amygdala. The amygdala regulates one’s emotions such as fear, anger, and sadness. The hyperactivity in the amygdala shows the intensity and extremity of the emotions one is feeling, and it shows how someone with depression experiences emotions with constant and enormous rates. Someone with major depressive disorder feels emotions with a different intensity and rate than those without depression.

Treatments For Depression:

While depression is still being researched, there are many different types of treatments available for anyone who is suffering from depression. Medications and a range of therapies are available. One interesting treatment is transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS or rTMS). TMS is a fairly new procedure and it is used to help stimulate the brain in the areas where it is lacking activity. TMS is performed by placing an electromagnetic coil on the scalp near the forehead to send painless magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. While TMS is a fairly new procedure and is not fully understood, it has shown to reduce the symptoms of depression and

improve mood. This procedure is also done as a last stitch effort when therapy and medication are not working. One of the best ways to help reduce depression is through a mixture of both therapy and medication.

Takeaway:

Depression affects people both mentally and physically, so it is necessary to be aware of the symptoms and the toll it takes on one’s body. A very controversial and still studied question about depression: Is depression caused from chemical imbalances in the brain, or does depression cause the chemical imbalances in the brain? Maybe it is both. What do you think?

Disclaimer!

If you or someone you know struggles from depression, please feel free to reach out to us and get help. Depression is a very serious mental illness, and it affects more people than you know. Some resources you can use are:

Suicide Prevention Hotline Numbers (IN):

● (317) 882-5122

● (317) 574-1252

● 1-800-560-4038

● 1-800-808-4357

● 1-800-435-9143

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

● 1-800-273-8255

If you or someone you know is in emergent danger please call 911.

Resources:

1. https://www.banyanmentalhealth.com/2019/08/16/depressed-brain-vs-normal-brain/#:~:t ext=People%20with%20depression%20are%20often%20found%20to%20have,a%20neg ative%20stimulus%20such%20as%20a%20sad%20face.

2. https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/depression/related/depression-brain-s cans/