Depression: Dangerous to Your Brain

Depression kills brain cells. This disturbing information has impacted present thinking about the nature of depression.

Research shows that clinical depression sufferers are affected in many ways including the brain. Until now there was no proof that depression existed in terms of its impact on the body. With the spectacular resources, we have in terms of brain scanning equipment we can actually discern the impact of the brain on the cells in such parts of the brain as the hippocampus. To see an article on the shrinkage of the hippocampus go to: http://www.psycheducation.org/mechanism/6atrophy.htm

Scientists can accurately discern from autopsy reports which individuals had suffered from several serious bouts with depression. This data points to the need for treatment as early as possible in a person’s life to prevent lowering of the resilience to stressful events and losses. Over the span of a series of depression the brain often no longer needs precipitant events to slip into clinical depression.

Click Below For Other Articles by Dr. Walkup
What Depression Feels Like
Factors that Lead to Depression
What if Van Gogh Had Used Prozac
Depression: Dangerous to Brain Cells

Online Resource: PBS Special on Depression