Depression, a debilitating mental disorder that affects millions of people around the world, has been the subject of intense research in the field of neuroscience. Recent advances have revealed changes in brain circuits and neurotransmission in individuals with depression, opening new perspectives for the development of more effective treatments.
Neuroimaging studies have shown that depression is associated with a dysregulation of important brain areas, such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, responsible for functions such as mood regulation, memory and response to stress. Furthermore, research has pointed to changes in the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a crucial role in modulating mood and emotions (K. Castanhede et al., 2021).
Neuroscience discoveries have driven the development of new therapeutic approaches for depression, such as deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy. These techniques, which aim to modulate brain activity, have shown promise in treating cases resistant to traditional medicines (K. Castanhede et al., 2021).
However, despite advances, there is still much to be discovered about the neurobiological mechanisms of depression. The complexity of the human brain and the multifactorial nature of depression require continued research and multidisciplinary approaches to develop more effective and personalized treatments.
Reference :
K. CASTANHEDE, André Leandro et al. Neuroscience in the treatment of depressive disorders. Latin Science Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal, v. 5, no. 6, p. 11044-11059, 2021.
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