What is the connection between hippocamp and depression?
4 Hippocampus has a large amount of glucocorticoid receptors and atrophy will be if excessively exposed. The non -functional hippocampus leads to serious, even clinical depression. It is also a possible health condition known as Cushing's syndrome. The use of antidepressants is the preferred method of treating these forms of depression.
Hippocampus plays a major role in converting short -term memory into long -term memory. The short -term memory of people occurs in the prefrontal cortex. Hippocampus examines these new experiences for those who need long -term storage, such as an important event or new skill. Since the emotional state of man significantly affects whether short -term memory becomes long -term, some hormones inform hippocampus of the emotional state. Glucocorticoids are a class of hormones that directly connect hippocampus and depression.
glucocorticoids are steroid hormones; Every cell in the human body has receptors for them. These hormones help to regulate glucose levels and reduce the body as a medicineType inflammation. In Hippocamp, their task is to fix the memories of Flashbulb in long -term memory; Flashbulb Memories are the immediate details that surround themselves when emotionally exciting news are heard. However, if a person is under constant stress from work or other circumstances, the release of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex is higher than usual. The effects on hippocampus are physically and psychologically harmful.
Although constant stress does not have the same effect as it occurs in the memories of flashbulb, the brain gets used to maintaining only stress memories and creates depression. This in turn creates more stress and depression. Hippocampus and depression also have physical consequences. Hippocampus is physically shrinking in response to constant glucocorticoids. Reduced size causes atrophy and can lead to a number of more serious psychological conditions.
Clinical depression may result from this degenerative cycle. One ofIt is constant low mood and loses interest in things that have previously provided pleasure. The condition has physical side effects such as insomnia and rapid increase or weight loss. Clinical depression may also manifest as inexplicable physical pain.
Another condition that may occur as a result of a negative connection between hippocamp and depression is Cushing's syndrome. Increased levels of cortisol and glucocorticoids cause its development. Although other basic conditions such as cancer may increase cortisol levels, severe depression has the same effect. Patient with Cushing's rapid weight gain in the torso, impaired sexual function and more skin disorders. Doctors generate cancer test and other conditions threatening life before depression is considered to be a root cause.
Regardless of whether the connection between hippocamp and depression causes slight depression, clinical depression or Cushing syndrome, the most clinically reliable treatment is the use of antidepressant drugs. Some tYPY of these drugs can block the absorption of glucocorticoids of hippocamp, so it has a chance to restore normal function. In most patients, treatment is paired with therapeutic sessions that can discover and solve basic stress.