DEPRESSION

GROUP NAME
 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DEPRESSION

• Reduced volume of grey-matter and density of glial cells in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex
that are responsible for reward response and mood control (Fekadu1, Shibeshi, & Engidawork,
2017).
• Decrease in the density of Locus coeruleus (LC) neuron (Halverson & Bienenfeld, 2018).

Source: psychologytoday.com
 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DEPRESSION CONT’

• Elevated activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis affecting the structure of amygdala
(Jesulola, Micalos, & J.Baguley, 2018).
• Changes resulting in short and long versions of promoter regions of serotonin transport(5-HTT)
which are responsible for gene encoding.
• Changes that substitute methionine with valine at the codon 66 within
pro-BDNF area leading to decreased episodical memory and
emotional stability (Verduijn, et al., 2015).

Source: psychologytoday.com
 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DEPRESSION CONT’

• Breakdown of the serotonergic system leading to reduced circulation of serotonin

neurotransmitter in the nervous system which is responsible for mood, pain detection,
appetite and aggression control (Hasler, 2010).
• Reduced amount of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the cerebrospinal fluid
leading to impulsive behavior and suicide thoughts (Brigitta, 2002).

Source: theoctupusnews.com
 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DEPRESSION CONT’

• Reduction in the density of 5-HT1A receptor subtype across various brain areas (Halverson &
Bienenfeld, 2018).
• A drop in melatonergic signaling in the brain which delays
circadian rhythms leading to difficulties in falling and staying
asleep (Fekadu1, Shibeshi, & Engidawork, 2017).

Source: healthmedicinet.com
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DEPRESSION CONT’

• High levels of pro-inflammatory markers such as IL-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha and C-reactive
protein(Fekadu1, Shibeshi, & Engidawork, 2017).
• Increased levels of Substance P in the brain;
A neuropeptide that is responsible for stress responses.
• Reduced estrogen levels among females;
a hormone that enhances moods.

Source: focusih.com
 REFERENCES

• Brigitta, B. (2002). Pathophysiology of depression and mechanisms of treatment. Dialogues

in Clinical Neuroscience, 7-20.
• Fekadu1, N., Shibeshi, W., & Engidawork, E. (2017). Major Depressive Disorder:
Pathophysiology and Clinical Management. Journal of Depression and Anxiety, 1-7.
• Halverson, J. L., & Bienenfeld, D. (2018). Depression. Psychiatry, 1-16.
• Hasler, G. (2010). Pathophysiology of depression: Do wehave any solid evidence of
interest to clinicians . World Psychiatry, 155-161.
• /i/a-quarter-of-americans-develop-insomnia-each-year-study-reveals/
 REFERENCES CONT’

• Health Medicine Network. (n.d.). A quarter of Americans develop insomnia each year, study
reveals. Retrieved from Health Medicine Network: http://healthmedicinet.com
• Jesulola, E., Micalos, P., & J.Baguley, I. (2018). Understanding the pathophysiology of
depression: From monoamines to the neurogenesis hypothesis model - are we there yet?
Behavioural Brain Research, 79-90.
• Louis, J. (n.d.). Estrogen & Mood: Is it Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or “Just Her Hormones”?
Retrieved from Foucs Integrative Heathcare: https://www.focusih.com/estrogen-
depression-bipolar-hormones/
 REFERENCES CONT’

• Ogunlowo, T. (n.d.). Coping with Suicidal Thoughts. Retrieved from The Octopus News:
http://www.theoctopusnews.com/coping-suicidal-thoughts-tony-ogunlowo/
• Verduijn, J., Milaneschi,Y., Schoevers, R. A., Hemert, A. M., Beekman, A. T., & Penninx, B. W.
(2015). Pathophysiology of major depressive disorder: mechanisms involved in etiology
are not associated with clinical progression. Translational Psychiatry, 1-9.
• Whitbourne, S. K. (2015, February 7). 5 Ways to Get Your Unwanted Emotions Under Control.
Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-
any-age/201502/5-ways-get-your-unwanted-emotions-under-control