Untreated Depression Has Neurodegenerative Effects
Untreated depression, that is, one that becomes chronic and accompanies the patient for years like a shadow that darkens everything, eventually leaves a mark in the brain. Recent studies show that the alteration caused by this psychological state influences structures of the brain. Depression then affects our ability to make decisions, solve problems, or even think …
Neuroinflammation, reduced oxygen supply to the brain, changes in the production of neurotransmitters… Certain disorders such as major depression can reduce the functionality of many brain structures to the point of giving rise to a neurodegenerative process. When it comes to depression, these changes will begin to be evident in patients who drag this psychological issue for at least 9-12 months.
Now that we know all of this, the questions that come to mind are: Why don’t we treat our depressions? What does a person do who does not get help from a health professional to treat their suffering? It should be emphasized that there is not one single answer to these questions. In reality, we do not always succeed in accurately delineating the complexity of this mood disorder.
Some patients think they will never get better. Their own illness acts as a shield preventing them from seeking help. Other patients resist treatment. Still others have misconceptions about psychological therapy. These people do not trust therapy; worse yet, they dare not admit that they have a problem.
On the other hand, we cannot ignore the fact that some patients lack resources as well as social support. Cohabiting with an untreated psychological disorder is unfortunately common. The effects of this reality are often considerable.
Depression and neurodegenerative effect
We almost all know very well what depression is, either because it has concerned us or directly concerns us, or because we know someone who is going through this universe so exhausting on all levels. We then know the effects of the disease on mood, physical involvement, and even social involvement. But much of the population is unaware that depression can have negative effects on our brains.
An interesting study by Dr Victor H. Perry, professor of neuropathology at the University of Southampton in the UK, shows the effects of depression on the brain. This study shows that a person who suffers from major depression are at a greater risk of dragging out the disease for a long period of time. Relapses are frequent. Some patients have struggled with this problem for decades.
Untreated depression or one that persists has a neurodegenerative effect. Let’s see this in more detail later in this article.
Several areas of the brain that change in size? One of the consequences of untreated depression
The study conducted by Dr Dilara Yuüksel of Istanbul University shows the deterioration caused by major depression in the brain after three years of non-treatment (or non-reaction to treatment).
The most striking consequence is the reduction in size of certain areas of the brain, namely the frontal cortex, the thalamus, the hippocampus and the amygdala. These areas are directly linked to our memory, the processing of our emotions and executive functions (problem solving, attention, planning, ability to respond to the environment).
Accumulation of C-reactive protein is a consequence of untreated depression
Untreated depression produces a biological effect: neuroinflammation. Dr. Jeff Meyer of the University of Toronto Mental Health Center in Canada conducted research in which 80 people participated over a ten-year period. Half of them suffered from major depression, which had never been treated.
The aim of this study was to find out the effect of depression on the brain. The first observation was as follows: there is a greater accumulation of C reactive protein in the areas of the brain mentioned above. This type of protein produces an inflammatory effect. This observation opens up the possibility of testing another type of drug treatment for this particular scenario.
Less oxygen goes to the brain
This effect is undoubtedly striking. Some work like that done by Dr. Tomohiko Shibata of the University of Tokyo shows us that mood disorders, such as depression, result in mild hypoxia. This means that a psychological state that lasts over time results in less cerebral oxygenation.
The consequences of the lack of oxygenation are as follows: greater fatigue, confusion, concentration problems, migraines… The effect is obvious. This is why hyperbaric oxygen chambers are already being used to relieve symptoms.
As you will no doubt understand, major depression can significantly affect our brain health. The disease’s own impact ultimately changes the functionality of the brain, exacerbating patient discomfort, along with cognitive problems and greater resistance to treatment.
In recent years, new techniques have appeared. We have seen, for example, that transcranial magnetic stimulation (non-electroconvulsive) considerably improves the well-being of patients. Magnetic pulses directed at problem areas improve biochemistry and connectivity. According to experts, it’s like “restarting” the brain. We hope to discover new and promising advances soon.
Our thoughts Touch, smell, mold, weave, garden, paint; working with his hands and all these manual tasks generate a certain well-being in the …
