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 ]
Serotonin (/ ˌ s ɛr ə ˈ t oʊ n ɪ n, ˌ s ɪər ə-/) [6] [7] [8] or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter.Its biological function is complex, touching on diverse functions including mood, cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes such as vomiting and vasoconstriction.
Several lines of evidence suggest that an attenuated function of the dopaminergic system may play an important role in depression: Mood disorders are highly prevalent in pathologies characterized by a deficit in central DA transmission such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The prevalence of depression can reach up to 50% of individuals with PD. [209]
The effects of alcohol on the body's neurochemistry are more difficult to examine than some other drugs. This is because the chemical nature of the substance makes it easy to penetrate into the brain, and it also influences the phospholipid bilayer of neurons. This allows alcohol to have a widespread impact on many normal cell functions and ...
Depression can have multiple, sometimes overlapping, origins. Depression can be a symptom of some mood disorders, some of which are also commonly called depression, such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and dysthymia. [7] Additionally, depression can be a normal temporary reaction to life events, such as the loss of a loved one.
The link between your mood and how well your brain works is stronger than you might realize. Feeling worried or stressed can have an effect on your ability to focus, remember things, and get ...
The brain stem is the first part of the brain that develops in a mammal out of the neural crest. It is also the oldest part of the brain and controls many automatic functions such as consciousness, breathing, heart rate, digestion, and many more. Opioid receptors are specialized pain-blocking receptors. They bind a wide range of hormones ...
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 The reason given is: Many outdated sources and information (older than five years).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 Sorrowing Old Man (At ...