Depression:Major Disorder may alter brain structure 

An individual suffering from depression may be at an increased risk of developing changes in the structure of the brain associated with communication and thinking skills, researchers say. The findings showed that alterations were found in parts of the brain known as white matter, which contains fibre tracts that enable brain cells to communicate with one another by electrical signals.

What is Depression?

• Depression is a major depressive disorder.
• It is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel.
• In addition, the way you think and how you act.
• Fortunately, it is also treatable.
• Depression causes feelings of sadness.
• It also causes a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
• It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.
• In addition,it can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.

Depression: Do You Know the Symptoms?

• They include feeling several of the following for at least 2 weeks.
• Feeling sad, anxious, or empty.
• Also feeling hopeless or pessimistic.
• In addition,feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless.
• Not enjoying things you used to enjoy.
• Trouble with concentration, memory, or making decisions.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Appetite changes.
• Gaining or losing weight.
• Feeling restless or irritable.
• Thoughts of suicide or death.

Research says:

• The researchers said, White matter is a key component of the brain’s wiring.
• Its disruption has linked to problems with emotion processing and thinking skills.
• Furthermore, people with symptoms indicative of depression.
• Also had reductions in white matter integrity.
• In addition, a quality of the matter,which was not seen in people who were unaffected.
• Heather Whalley, senior research fellow at the University of Edinburgh.
• He said, this study shows that people with depression have changes in the white matter wiring of their brain.
• Depression is the world’s leading cause of disability.
• Affecting around a fifth of UK adults over a lifetime.
• Whalley said, there is an urgent need to provide treatment for depression.
• An improved understanding of it mechanisms will give us a better chance of developing new.
• In addition, more effective methods of treatment.
• He added, our next steps will be to look at how the absence of changes in the brain.
• Relates to better protection from distress and low mood.