The science of depression

Over 350 million. People worldwide suffer from depression. No doubt this is a big and serious problem. But what happens to a depressed man asks ASAP Science? Is there a biological explanation for these extreme feelings of sadness?
In the past, depression is often described as a "chemical imbalance" in the brain. Overall, scientists believed that the fault lies in the neurotransmitter serotonin, often called the substance a good mood. The only real proof, however, was this - when people with depression are prescribed drugs that enhance serotonin, their symptoms are alleviated. Yes, complex chemicals definitely have a role. It did not exhaust the complexity of depression.
In recent years, scientists have noticed that growth and connections of brain cells may play an important role. If you look at the brain of a depressed person, we will see that the hippocampus is biased lower than average. Other parts of the brain are also affected physically, but just this part controls the memories and emotions. And the longer a person is depressed, the smaller the hippocampus. The cells and the connections deteriorate. It turns out that seemed to say stress is the main reason for the decrease of new neurons in this part of the brain. In fact, studies show that when it is regenerated and new neurons are stimulated, mood improves. Interestingly, many of the new drugs, including those that affect serotonin levels, have an indirect effect on the growth of brain cells. Probably for this drug with serotonin help some patients, they contribute to the removal of other substances that stimulate neurogenesis, or the growth of new neurons. With this in mind, some scientists believe that the focus should be on drugs which directly affect neurogenesis.
But even neurons and substance to exert the strongest influence, many genetic factors are also found. One particular study has shown that variations in the gene for the serotonin transporter, making people more susceptible to depression. Everyone has two copies of this gene - one from each parent. It may be "short" or "long". In the study of 800 youths within five years found that 33 percent of those one short gene become depressed after stressful life problems. Those with two short deteriorating further. On the other hand, those with 2 long gene are more likely to be depressed at the same life problems. Many other genes also influence susceptibility to depression. This makes sense, as depression and bipolar disorder are transmitted between generations. Studies in identical twins show
Until we find the main reason (or reasons) for depression (must not forget that there is a huge list of secondary causes that affect) it is important to remember that depression is an illness with a biological basis. This is not just a state of weakness that someone must overcome, or something over which we have consciously influence. As with heart disease or cancer, it is important to have more clarity on the subject in order to attract more resources which lead to more research.

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