Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The biology of depression is the attempt to identify a biochemical origin of depression, as opposed to theories that emphasize psychological or situational causes. Scientific studies have found that different brain areas show altered activity in humans with major depressive disorder (MDD). [1]
Early life stresses that could lead to major depressive disorder include periodic maternal separation, child abuse, divorce, and loss. [2] [3] These factors can result in epigenetic marks that can alter gene expression and impact the development of key brain regions such as the hippocampus.
The neurotrophic hypothesis of depression [1] proposes that major depressive disorder (MDD) is caused, at least partly, by impaired neurotrophic support.Neurotrophic factors (also known as neurotrophins) are a family of closely related proteins which regulate the survival, development, and function of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
However, the hypothesis is incomplete, as several lines of evidence suggests that depression is more than just a monoamine imbalance. For example, antidepressants usually take several weeks to reduce a patient's depressive symptoms, which is inconsistent with the finding that monoamine levels are affected within hours of using antidepressants. [5]
This article needs to be updated. The reason given is: Many outdated sources and information (older than five years). Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (July 2024) Medical condition Major depressive disorder Other names Clinical depression, major depression, unipolar depression, unipolar disorder, recurrent depression Specialty Psychiatry ...
Major depression (also called "major depressive disorder", "clinical depression" or often simply "depression") is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and in 2000 was the fourth leading contributor to the global burden of disease (measured in DALYs); it is also an important risk factor for suicide. [1]
Biological psychiatry or biopsychiatry is an approach to psychiatry that aims to understand mental disorder in terms of the biological function of the nervous system.It is interdisciplinary in its approach and draws on sciences such as neuroscience, psychopharmacology, biochemistry, genetics, epigenetics and physiology to investigate the biological bases of behavior and psychopathology.
Endogenous depression is an atypical subclass of major depressive disorder (clinical depression). It could be caused by genetic and biological factors. [1] Endogenous depression occurs due to the presence of an internal (cognitive, biological) stressor instead of an external (social, environmental) stressor. [2]