The part of the brain that is damaged in depression or actually a disruption of multiple brain networks instead of just being damaged are the networks of the brain that are responsible for reward, emotion and cognitive control.
The parts of the brain that are disrupted or considered damaged in depression are the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex and the amygdala.
In depression, the hippocampus part of the brain often show significant signs of shrinkage, which volume reduction being as much as 10% to 20%.
The hippocampus is the area of the brain that is important and crucial for learning and memory and it's atrophy is also linked to cognitive deficits as well impaired stress responses.
The prefrontal cortex in depression show reductions in gray matter volume and cortical thinning, particularly in the dorsolateral and orbitofrontal areas.
And damage in these areas of the brain affect decision making, attention and even executive functions.
The anterior cingulate cortex in depression often shows volume loss and it acts as a bridge between thinking and emotional areas and impairment in the anterior cingulate cortex can result in difficulties in emotional regulation and increased rumination.
And the amygdala in depression which is known as the fear center of the brain is frequently hyperactive in people who are depressed which leads to exaggerated responses to negative stimuli.
Some studies also show shrinkage of the amygdala in depression, although others also report enlargement of the amygdala due to sustained overactivity.
Untreated depression can turn into changes in the brain and lead to emotional and behavioral as well as health issues that can affect every area of your life.
Complications that are associated with depression including untreated depression are excess weight or obesity, heart disease and diabetes as well as pain or physical illness.
Long term and untreated depression can also lead to chronic low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep and appetite changes, concentration issues as well as feelings of hopelessness that impact your daily functioning, work as well as relationships.
These conditions can also occur alongside of physical body aches and possible substance use and can escalate into suicidal thoughts that require professional help for recovering.
The most powerful drug for depression is escitalopram as well as paroxetine, venlafaxine and mirtazapine.
Although for severe or treatment resistant cases of depression, the drugs for severe or treatment resistant depression include ketamine, aripiprazole even lithium due to their high efficacy.
What most doctors prescribe for depression is SSRIs also known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors as the first line treatment medications for depression as they are considered very safe and effective in treatment of depression.
Common examples of the SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors include Celexa also known as citalopram, Lexapro also known as escitalopram, Prozac also known as fluoxetine and Zoloft also known as sertraline.
The type of depression that is not treatable is TRD or Treatment resistant Depression, which is depression that does not respond to standard depression treatments, and is often defined as failing to improve after trying 2 or more antidepressants.
Although it's considered untreatable, TRD or Treatment resistant Depression is not technically untreatable, but it's instead resistant to conventional medication, and requires alternative approaches such as stimulation therapies, therapy and medication changes.
With Treatment resistant Depression, the symptoms persist despite the use of at least 2 antidepressant medications at adequate doses and duration and it can involve long term, chronic or severe symptoms that don't improve or keep returning and people with co-occurring mental health issues like bipolar or anxiety, severe stress or psychotic features including hallucinations and delusions are also more likely to experience these symptoms.
Although standard depression drugs fail to treat Treatment resistant Depression, other options are available like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, ketamine/esketamine psychotherapy can be effective.
Most other types of depression including major depression are treatable.
5 signs of major depression are having feelings of worthlessness or guilt, sleep disturbances, fatigue or lack of energy, loss of interest or Anhedonia and Empty Mood or persistent sadness.
A person that experiences major depression often experiences excessive and even inappropriate self blame or a sense of worthlessness.
The person with major depression may also experience insomnia or difficulty sleeping or hypersomnia which is sleeping too much almost everyday.
Major depression can also cause persistent tiredness, lethargy or feeling slowed down most of the day, which can make even small tasks difficult to perform.
Having major depression can also cause markedly diminished interest or pleasure in nearly all activities as well as hobbies and social interactions that the person once enjoyed before.
Major depression can also result in a consistent and long lasting feelings of sadness, emotional emptiness and even hopelessness.
Other common symptoms of major depression are weight and appetite changes, trouble concentrating, physical slowing and restlessness and even having recurrent thoughts of suicide or death.
Major Depression or Major Depressive Disorder is a serious and common mood disorder that lasts 2 weeks and hinders daily functioning.
Causes of major depression or major depressive disorder are complex interactions of your brain chemistry, genetics, trauma and even chronic illness.
Major depression and major depressive disorder is treated with medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
Diagnosis for major depressive disorder requires at least 5 or more symptoms, which include either having a depressed mood or loss of interest for at least 2 weeks.
Symptoms of major depressive disorder include persistent sadness, hopelessness, irritability or feelings of worthlessness and or guilt.
Fatigue, insomnia or hypersomnia, weight and appetite changes, and unexplained aches as well as cognitive and behavioral issues like difficulty concentrating, slowed movement and speech, social withdrawal and recurrent thoughts of suicide or death.
Imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, a first degree relative with depression, trauma, abuse, divorce or financial problems, chronic pain, cancer, heart disease, alcohol and drug misuse can also cause and make major depression and major depressive disorder worse.
And major depression and major depressive disorder is also more prevalent in women, often due to hormonal factors or social stressors.
The types of major depressive disorders include.
Major Depressive Disorder (Single or Recurrent Episode): The standard, acute form.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Less severe but lasts for at least two years.
MDD with Seasonal Pattern: Depression tied to seasons (formerly Seasonal Affective Disorder).
Peripartum/Postpartum Depression: Depression during or after pregnancy.