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 ]
The Monoamine Theory of Depression and Anxiety, which states that the disruption of the activity of nitrogen containing neurotransmitters (i.e. serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) is strongly correlated with the presence of depressive symptoms. [9]
While depression is a complex condition with many factors involved, it is commonly attributed to an imbalance of several key monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This monoamine hypothesis of depression is popular because of the simplicity of the explanation. [4]
One form of behavioral neuropharmacology focuses on the study of drug dependence and how drug addiction affects the human mind. Most research has shown that the major part of the brain that reinforces addiction through neurochemical reward is the nucleus accumbens. The image to the right shows how dopamine is projected into this area.
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.
Children who are under stress, experiencing loss or grief, or have other underlying disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Childhood depression is often comorbid with mental disorders outside of other mood disorders, most commonly anxiety disorder and conduct disorder. Highlighting the pivotal role of adolescence and young adulthood ...
Interactive maps, databases and real-time graphics from The Huffington Post
The pharmacology of antidepressants is not entirely clear.. The earliest and probably most widely accepted scientific theory of antidepressant action is the monoamine hypothesis (which can be traced back to the 1950s), which states that depression is due to an imbalance (most often a deficiency) of the monoamine neurotransmitters (namely serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine). [1]