Not only can your emotional state be affected by depression, but the condition can also have physical consequences and potentially affect your brain’s structure and functions.
Function refers to how the brain communicates using electrical signals. Structure refers to the physical parts of the brain, such as the frontal lobe and hippocampus.
It is possible to revert the damage caused by depression with successful treatment. After successful treatment, a brain scan should reveal a healthy brain. In this post, we will talk about depression, depression test and how untreated depression can cause structural and functional depression in the brain.
Does Untreated Depression Lead To Brain Damage?
(MDD) Major Depressive Disorder Medication can change how your brain communicates with your nervous system and the physical parts of your smooth brain. But to call it brain break is an overstatement.
The idea that depression changes the brain is still relatively new and is still not fully understood by researchers.
In a 2018 review, the results from MRI scans were inconsistent and controversial; the same review also suggested that high-functioning depression can affect different brain areas.
The review did not address whether changes in the brain caused depression or whether depression caused changes in the brain.
Researchers believe that chronic stress and anxiety may damage neurotransmitter connections. Neurotransmitters are the communication circuits within the brain, and damage to them may impair communication.
However, there is currently a need for more research on this topic.
Effects of Depression on the Brain in the Long Run
According to researchers, depression affects the brain physically, altering certain brain structures, causing inflammation and shrinkage in certain areas, and changing how they interact.
Below are some of the risk factors in the brain associated with depression:
Hippocampus
Despite its importance for memory and learning, this part of the brain is also connected to other factors that control emotion and respond to stress hormones. Thus, making it vulnerable to depression.
Neurocognitive disorders (dementia) symptoms can occur when depression releases glucocorticoids into the brain. Glucocorticoid is a steroid hormone that can cause harm to the hippocampus.
Frontal Lobe
Many researchers believe that a major depressive disorder (MDD) can affect the brain’s frontal lobe.
Causes of depression may consist of:
- Lesions
- Loss of the gray matter volume test (GMV)
Parietal Lobe
As information is processed, blood flows into the parietal lobe, which floats away once it has been absorbed.
A study suggests that depression can cause the parietal lobe to increase in size, which could worsen major depressive disorder.
Thalamus
The thalamus controls several types of sensory information, including arousal, emotional control, and memory. As sensory input correlates with feelings, depression can affect the thalamus, which can shrink in those diagnosed.
Striatum
Mood regulation, motivation, and the ability to think are all related to the striatum.
The striatum shrinks in people with major depressive disorder, which may contribute to suicidal behavior and thoughts.
Chemical Changes in the Brain
Two of the most important neurotransmitters are known as serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters act as messengers in all areas of the brain. Depression can cause changes to neurotransmission.
Signs of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Here are some key symptoms to look out for in major depressive disorder:
- Sense of hopelessness.
- Long periods of sadness.
- Feelings of emptiness and despair.
- Angry outbursts.
- Loss of interest in favorite activities.
- Oversleeping or difficulty sleeping.
- Weight gain or weight loss.
- Excessive fatigue.
- Tiredness
- Slowed thinking.
- Restlessness and anxiety.
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
- Lack of concentration and difficulty making decisions.
- Suicidal thoughts and actions.
Does Depression Damage the Brain Permanently?(MDD)
Untreated depression does not cause permanent brain damage, but further research is necessary.
Symptoms of depression often improve when treatment is right, which means that the effects on the brain due to depression can be reversible.
Get in touch with your doctor or mental health professional if you notice any signs of depression.
Taking steps early on can help prevent the symptoms of depression from worsening and may even help you avoid changes to your brain.
How to Seek Treatment and Heal Your Brain From MDD(MDD)
Medications and psychotherapy can help most people with depression. These are the two main treatments for depression.
A primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medication to ease your symptoms.
Other ways to heal from depression are lifestyle changes and self-care:
- Getting enough sleep.
- Exercising regularly.
- Keeping your health in check.
- Taking a healthy diet of nutritious food.
- Doing things you enjoy doing.
Let Us Improve Your Brain’s Health(MDD)
If you think there should be depression counseling near me in Brooklyn. then Healizm is for you. At Healizm, we aim to restore the brain to its optimal state of health. We want to help with mental health issues so you can lead a better life. Our expert staff members can help treat anxiety and depression.
By managing anxiety and depression correctly, we can prevent further harm to our brains.
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