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Depression Is All About Neuronal Connections  

by — Last updated: 2014-10-03 in Mental Health

Table of Contents

Sometimes we feel sad and it is normal. But if this interferes with our daily life, we may be suffering from depression. Being it a major health concern in the world, it´s important that we treat depression as a mental problem and understand its causes.

What is happening then? Even though low serotonin levels do play a role in the development of depression, researchers have shown that it is also caused by alteration in the neuronal connections in certain brain structures that control our emotions.

The limbic system 

The limbic system is composed by the amygdala and the hippocampus, among other structures that play a role in the control of a variety of cognitive functions.

The amygdala for example, is in charge of managing emotions such as sexual arousal and pleasure, anger, sorrow and fear. The hippocampus, on the other hand, is the brain region that specializes on the learning and memory processes.

Together with the amygdala, the hippocampus keeps memories associated to emotions. Remember the first time you touched something hot? The pain you felt because of this action was from then on stored in your brain and linked to that specific situation. Now you know that you should not touch hot surfaces with your bare hands, because it can harm you. This is how team hippocampus/amygdala work.

Research has shown that depressed persons suffer alterations in their amygdala and hippocampus.

Depressed patients show a more active amygdala and several studies have identified that the size of their hippocampus also changes.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatry Research, a reduction in the volume of the hippocampus of patients that suffered from major depressive disorder was detected. Scientists believe that stress could be playing a major role in the alteration of hippocampal morphology and size.

Neurogenesis and genes 

So basically, not only the imbalance in the level of neurotransmitters alters the mood of a person.

A reduction in the number of neurons and therefore in the size of the brain regions involved in mood control affect the neuronal connections that deal with emotions and feelings, basically altering the wiring in our brain and driving people into a deep state of sadness.

This theory is supported by the fact that antidepressants not only affect the level of neurotransmitters, they also promote the growth of new neurons, known as neurogenesis, and the development of new neuronal connections. This property of antidepressants was only recently discovered and it might explain their effectiveness in the treatment of depression.

Genes are also involved in the development of depression.

Researchers have focused in identifying mutations in certain genes related to the production of serotonin, for example, to see if this mutations increase the risk of depression.

See Also: Treating Depression - What Are Your Options?

It is not easy however to blame just one gene for this disorder, since it is a very variable disease. Nevertheless, it is known that a person with a relative facing depression has an increase in the risk of suffering it as well of almost 3%, compared to the normal.

Depression is a major health concern all around the world. If you think you suffer from this mental illness or you know someone that might, do not hesitate to look for help. This is a completely treatable disease but it has to be correctly diagnosed and followed by a specialist. 

  • COBB, J. A., SIMPSON, J., MAHAJAN, G. J., OVERHOLSER, J. C., JURJUS, G. J., DIETER, L., HERBST, N., MAY, W., RAJKOWSKA, G. & STOCKMEIER, C. A. 2013. Hippocampal volume and total cell numbers in major depressive disorder. J Psychiatr Res, 47, 299-306.
  • Mindmap by steadyhealth.com
  • Photo courtesy of geralt by Pixabay : pixabay.com/en/man-face-confused-head-depression-416473/

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