How Does Depression Affect the Brain?

Womenscorner Desk
December 6, 2020

There are three parts of the brain that appear to play a task in MDD: the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex.

The hippocampus is found near the middle of the brain. It stores memories and regulates the assembly of a hormone called cortisol. The body releases cortisol during times of physical and mental stress, including during times of depression. Problems can occur when excessive amounts of cortisol are sent to the brain thanks to a stressful event or a chemical imbalance within the body. during a healthy brain, brain cells (neurons) are produced throughout a person’s adult life during a a part of the hippocampus called the dentate gyrus. In people with MDD, however, the long-term exposure to increased cortisol levels can slow the assembly of latest neurons and cause the neurons within the hippocampus to shrink. this will cause memory problems.

The prefrontal cortex is found within the very front of the brain. it's liable for regulating emotions, making decisions, and forming memories. When the body produces an excess amount of cortisol, the prefrontal cortex also appears to shrink. The amygdala is that the a part of the brain that facilitates emotional responses, like pleasure and fear. In people with MDD, the amygdala becomes enlarged and more active as a results of constant exposure to high levels of cortisol. An enlarged and hyperactive amygdala, along side abnormal activity in other parts of the brain, can result in disturbances in sleep and activity patterns. It also can cause the body to release irregular amounts of hormones and other chemicals within the body, leading to further complications.

Many researchers believe high cortisol levels play the most important role in changing the body and chemical activities of the brain, triggering the onset of
MDD. Normally, cortisol levels are highest within the morning and reduce in the dark. In people with MDD, however, cortisol levels are always elevated, even in the dark.