Download DEPRESSION DISORDERS 1 Disorders Studied On Depression

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DEPRESSION DISORDERS
Disorders Studied On Depression and the Brain
Paul Anthony Vitti
Kaplan University
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The first question posed to me from my assignment in psychology is to discuss which
parts of the brain are believed to be involved in depression, and how do these areas of the brain
influence the development and behavior of the individual? Well to answer that question I would
have to say that the different regions of the brain that are affected by a depression disorder is the
Rostral Raphe Nuclei (RRN), the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN), the Ventral Tegmentum
(VTA), the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc), the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC), the Subgenual
Cingulate (SG), the Neuroplasticity (NP), and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis.
Patients who suffer from a depression disorder show a pattern of interaction between
multiple portions of the brain. There are some areas of the brain that is affected more than other
portions. One portion of the brain that is affected from depression is the Rostral Raphe Nuclei
(RRN). The (RRN) is located in the upper brain stem and it is a group of small nuclei that is
located directly in the midline of the brain. The (RRN) produces the main source of serotonin,
which is a chemical that our brains produce. When depression occurs in a patient there is usually
an imbalance in the (RRN) which causes neuropathological abnormalities. Serotonin is a
chemical in the brain that is regulated by a gene called 5-HTT. When a patient suffers from
depression there is a problem with their 5-HTT genes. The 5-HTT genes help as a
neurotransmitter and they modulate areas of mental health such as sleep, sexuality, appetite,
mood, anger, anxiety, and several other areas of interest. All of these areas are affected by
depression.
The second portion of the brain that is affected by depression is the Suprachiasmatic
Nucleus (SCN). The (SCN) acts as a control center that regulates a person’s “biological clock”.
The (SCN) controls functions such as the sleep/ wake cycle and also a number of other biological
rhythms like our body temperature. A patient’s sleep cycle is affected when they exhibit signs of
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having a depression disorder. This is caused by a disturbance in the (SCN) and by a lack of
serotonin. The Previous abnormality discussed, called the (RRN), and has a very powerful
interaction to this abnormality, called (SCN).
The third portion of the brain that is affected by depression is the Ventral Tegmental Area
(VTA). The (VTA) is located in the Basel midbrain, a small area, which is critical in the reward
system of the brain. Projections are sent to the nucleus Accumbens by the (VTA) and then is used
by the neurotransmitter dopamine. This portion of the brain is affected by depression with the
use of drugs. When drugs are introduced into the body, they oppose dopamine and produce
anhedonia which is seen in a lot of patients who are depressed.
The fourth portion of the brain that is affected by depression is the Nucleus Accumbens
(NAc). Depression and anxiety are like brothers. When you are exposed to unavoidable stress
factors, your dopamine levels seem to decrease the release of this chemical in the (NAc) shell.
The fifth portion of the brain that is affected by depression is the Anterior Cingulate
Cortex (ACC). The (ACC) is negative experiences that show high levels of activity in depressed
people. These negative experiences can lead to the patient’s depression, mainly that they feel like
there is nothing that they can do to fix these problems, and so they keep these problems bottledup and never seek help for them.
The sixth portion of the brain that is affected by depression is the Subgenual Cingulate
(SG). This area of the brain is a vast network of serotonin transporters which involves the areas
of the brain such as, the hypothalamus and the brain stem. These areas helps the body to
influence changes in appetite and sleep. There are also two areas that help with mood and
anxiety. These areas are called the amygdala and the insula. The next portion of the brain is the
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hippocampus which helps a person to form memories. Then the frontal cortex is shown to help
the person with their self-esteem. When the (SG) is affected with an abnormality it will cause
disturbances in the brain which can cause and contribute to depression.
The seventh portion of the brain that is affected by depression is the Neuroplasticity (NP).
The (NP) is altered by depression and causes these problems in the body chronic stress reduces
synaptic and dendrite plasticity, and Shortening and reduced complexity of dendrite trees. The
disruption of (NP) is the underlying cause of depression.
The Final portion of the brain that is affected by depression is the HypothalamicPituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA). The (HPA) is influenced by the (RRN) and it also is a chain of
endocrine structures that are activated during stressful responses.
The next question that was posed to me to discuss in my psychology assignment is to
briefly describe at least one method which has been used to study depression (EEG, fMRI, etc.),
and what this method involves. Well I can tell you that several methods of study for depression is
the (CAT scan), (MRI), (ECG), and the (EEG). These test are administered by a doctor to rule
out any other medical conditions that could be associated with the symptoms of depression that a
patient is facing. The (EEG) is used to record and monitor brain waves in the patient. The (CAT
scan) and the (MRI) is used to check for possibilities of a tumor on the brain. The (ECG) is used
to check the heart of the patient for arrhythmia or a blockage. There is also physical testing that
can be done to determine if a patient is suffering from depression, other than just using the
screening processes.
My final question that was posed to me in my psychology assignment is to describe at
least one neurotransmitter(s) that is believed to function abnormally in the disorder called
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depression, and how this impacts on the behavior of the individual. I believe that I answered
most of this question in my first question that was posed to me but I will further my discussion
here on the neurotransmitters. Depression affects the chemicals in the brain called serotonin,
dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals help the body to inhibit signals that control
mood, thought, pain, and other sensations. When a neurotransmitter has a synaptic gap this is an
abnormality that can only be corrected with an antidepressant medication. When an
antidepressant medication is administered it will help to fix this problem in the patient’s body.
The medication will help to increase serotonin activity and will alleviate the depressive
symptoms.
In conclusion, there are many problems that can be associated with a damaged or
malfunctioning brain. These problems can cause mental disorders to appear in the patients.
Depression is a disorder that is very seriously checked out by a doctor because many of the
symptoms can be associated with other physical illnesses from symptoms alone. Many problems
that are inside of the brain are associated with the same areas of the brain like bipolar disorder,
depression, and anxiety. These problems can be corrected with medications.
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References:
Ahira, A. (2010). Tests may be used to diagnose depression. Retrieved from.
http://www.methedoctor.com/depression-tests.htm
Lieberman, J. (1997). Psychiatry. 1st ed.
Philadelphia, PA.: W.B. Saunders Company.
Rhawn, J. (1996). Neuropsychiatry, neuropsychology, clinical neuroscience.
New York, NY.: Williams & Wilkins.