What depression does to the brain?

Depression is a commonly occurring and serious mental health condition with very real emotional and physical symptoms. Many people experience low feelings, sadness, stress, and challenges with self-esteem, but depression is typically longer lasting than a normal “low.” Depression symptoms, their length, and their severity vary depending on individual factors and the type of depression experienced.

Some typical symptoms of depression include:

• Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or worthless
• Irritability and anger out of proportion to the situation
• Loss of interest in once enjoyed activities
• Lack of energy and motivation
• Sleep difficulties like insomnia and hypersomnia
• Restlessness and anxiety
• Changes in appetite and weight loss or weight gain
• Slower thinking, moving, or speaking than normal
• Feelings of guilt and self-blame
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Physical aches and pains or headaches

If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, visit your nearest emergency room or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Depression also has physical effects on the brain. Shrinkage, inflammation, reduced oxygen in the body, and connection changes can all be observed in the brains of people with depression.

Researchers have recently begun to understand that the brain can atrophy in certain regions in people who experience depression. The hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex may shrink in size.

Another study demonstrated that the length of time a person has experienced depression correlates with the amount of inflammation in the brain. Brain inflammation is found in people with different forms of depression, with more lengthy forms of depression resulting in more inflammation. Brain inflammation also contributes to shrinkage or atrophy.

Scientists aren’t sure exactly what causes lower oxygen in the bodies of those with depression. Still, in people with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, lower levels of oxygen are found. These lower levels can cause inflammation, brain cell death, and injury in the brain. The structural or connective changes that are experienced include reduced function in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala—each of these results in lower function in memory, motivation, and overall mood.

Depression is a serious condition that deserves prompt treatment. Typically, therapy, medication, or a combination of both are used to help treat depression. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, talk with your doctor or licensed mental health professional.