Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a serious illness affecting thought and interaction, characterized by prolonged feelings of hopelessness. It impacts various brain regions, including the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, leading to chemical imbalances such as increased cortisol and decreased serotonin and dopamine. These changes can result in memory problems, impaired decision-making, and altered emotional responses.

1. Depression: What
Happens Inside the Brain
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2.  Depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) is a
common and serious medical illness that affects the
way you think, feel and interact with others. When a
person is depressed, feelings of hopelessness and
sadness linger for a few days or can even last for a
few years. Depression is not something to take
lightly. For us to have a better understanding of
depression and all its aspects, in this blog, we will be
looking at what happens inside the brain of a person
suffering from depression.

3.  There are various parts of the brain that are affected by
depression.
1.The Hippocampus
This is the part of the brain responsible in storing long-term
memories and the production of depression and stress related
hormones called cortisol.
When the levels of production of cortisol increase, the
production of new neurons is compromised.This causes the
hippocampus to shrink.This chemical imbalance also leads to
memory problems.

4. 2.The Prefrontal Cortex
Located on the front part of the brain, the prefrontal
cortex is responsible in decision making and
regulating emotions.
Along with the hippocampus, the prefrontal cortex
shrinks as well when excessive cortisol levels are sent
to the brain.

5. 3.The Amygdala
Pleasure, fear and all other emotions are the ones
facilitated by this part of the brain. Due to constant
exposure to high levels of cortisol, the amygdala
becomes enlarged.
Medical studies suggest that the high levels of
cortisol affect the brain’s physical structure and
chemical activities. In a normal setting, cortisol levels
are highest in the morning and decrease at night. For
people with depression, the levels of cortisol are
always increasing even during nighttime.

6. The production of hormones such as serotonin and
dopamine are decreased when an individual is
suffering from depression.
Serotonin hormones are responsible in the regulation
of sleep, mood and appetite. Dopamine hormones
are the happy hormones.These are the hormones
responsible for motivation and perception of reality.