The Inflamed Brain: The Link Between Inflammation And Depression

The inflamed brain refers to a theory that links the inflammatory process and depression. So, and according to what various studies tell us, a large number of people who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are said to affect brain function and mood.

The authors of this study, Charles L, Raison Lucile Capuron and Andrew H. Miller, published this work in the journal  Cell  in 2006. However, it should be noted that this hypothesis has been maintained for several decades. In fact,  it is directly related to what is known as the  Theory of Depression Sickness.

For example, Dr Bruce Charlton of the University of Buckingham has long tried to demonstrate this idea through studies and analyzes, like the one he published in 2000 and through which he tries to define this concept. These are  clinical cases where diagnosed patients have (in some cases) a biological trigger.

Some scientists report that this disease could be linked to our lifestyle,  our diet and even environmental pollution. However, other voices link it to how our body responds to stressors or concerns.

In reality, a physiological response would occur to deal with this supposed threat. Hence the inflammatory reaction and this immune system which sometimes acts like our worst enemy by weakening us.

What is the inflamed brain theory based on?

This hypothesis which links inflammation and depression is formulated under some striking names. We have, on the one hand, the theory of depression discomfort and, on the other, the inflamed brain theory. However, they have some points in common which, as we know, are based on a large scientific bibliography.

The reason people began to think about this link between major depressive disorder and immune response was the large number of people who did not respond to psychological treatment or drugs. What was not working? From the year 2000, the word “inflammation” began to be a recurring variable among some neurologists and psychiatrists.

Now let’s see what are the premises of the inflamed brain theory.

Mechanisms behind the link between inflammation and depression

When our body detects the presence of a virus, it triggers an immune response in order to fight this internal enemy. An inflammatory process therefore takes place.

The underlying assumption in the inflamed brain theory is that in the face of pressures, stressors, fears, and anxiety, our bodies also deploy a similar strategy.

• Thus, when our body finds itself obliged to fight this internal pathogen,  it uses white blood cells and other chemical elements such as cytokines, a type of protein capable of coordinating the response of the immune system.

• As we reported at the start, we could see that a good number of people with major depression have a higher level of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• In a study developed in the Department of Epidemiology ( Janssen Research & Development, New Jersey),  14,275 patients with major depression were followed.
• We could see that  in 60% of these people, a very high level of C reactive protein (CRP) appeared. This is a marker that reveals inflammatory disease.
• These cytokines can persist in the blood stream for months, causing neuroinflammation. Other problems then arise, such as physical pain, a weaker immune system …

How can we fight depression caused by inflammation?

First and foremost, one aspect must be clarified. Not all depressions are the same. And not all major depressive disorders are caused by inflammation. It is only when psychological therapy does not result in changes or drugs do not bring about any improvement that the possibility of the inflamed brain theory should be considered.

Scientists and pharmaceutical industries are challenged to manufacture new drugs  for this type of disease. In the meantime, very positive progress has been made thanks to these strategies:

• Exercises for stress reduction
• Breathing and relaxation techniques
• Physical exercise
• Anti-inflammatory  diet (reduce the consumption of sugar, salt, white flour, industrial foods, saturated fats, avoid tobacco and alcohol, etc.)

• Nutritional supplements based on omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D

To conclude, it should be noted that many experts warn us of one thing:  the trigger for these diseases is always chronic stress. If we were able to manage and face this exhausting psychological state with better resources, we could avoid these inflammatory processes and the deregulation of the immune system.

Never hesitate to ask for help from experts and specialists.

Our thoughts

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