Chemical imbalance behind depression
Chemical imbalance behind depression
Every medical condition is associated with certain mechanism which works in causing the respective effect on the respective individual’s body. In our daily lives, we are often diagnosed with certain health-related conditions which must be diagnosed and treated in the required manner to prevent any kind of adverse effects on the overall health of the individual. Depression is a mental illness which is caused due to several factors which vary from one individual to another. Some of these factors include increased stress, sudden loss of a close family member, and changes in the brain functioning.
Brain chemistry is often affected with the loss of a close relative. If the brain chemistry gets altered, then the respective individual has more chances of being diagnosed with depression. One of the recent researches has concluded that if the number and performance of the neurotransmitters are reduced, then one is ought to suffer from depression. Neurotransmitter is one of the crucial and complex parts of the brain which significantly contribute to the smooth functioning of the brain in the daily lives. These neurotransmitters are also a part of the process in which there is an occurrence of chemical imbalance in the patients. Neurotransmitters functioning affect the mental health of the patients. This leads to the occurrence of medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.
Types of neurotransmitters: There are different types of neurotransmitters present in the brains. Each of these neurotransmitters has its unique role in causing a depressive condition in the patients.
– Excitatory neurotransmitters: Here, the neurotransmitters will lead to a boost to the action potential. These types of neurotransmitters cause excitatory effects on the brain. Epinephrine and norepinephrine fall in this category of the neurotransmitters.
– Inhibitory neurotransmitters: Here, these neurotransmitters cause inhibitory effects on the respective neuron. This type of neurotransmitters include serotonin and GABA, which is also known as Gama-aminobutyric acid.
– Modulatory neurotransmitters: Also known as neuromodulators, these neurotransmitters also affect the chemical messengers in the brain.
Neurotransmitters affecting depressive conditions: Here are the three neurotransmitters which affect the mental health of the individual.
– Serotonin: Serotonin is responsible for bringing positive and good thoughts and feelings in the minds of the respective individual. When the serotonin levels are reduced, then norepinephrine neurotransmitter levels also fall accordingly.
– Dopamine: This brain substance leads to development of the positive feelings. When the dopamine levels are reduced, then it leads to rise of the conditions such as anxiety and depression, to name a few. Dopamine leads to occurrence of Parkinson’s disease and Schizophrenia.
– Norepinephrine: One of the experienced medical specialists has specified that reduced level of norepinephrine affects the mental wellness of an individual. This leads to occurrence of depression.
Thus, chemical imbalances are caused due to the changes in the functioning of the neurotransmitters in the respective individual. The chemistry of depression involves several neurotransmitters in the scenario which need to be dealt with at an individual rate to cure the presence of depression.
