The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time

by Alex Korb

But we don’t understand depression in the same detailed way that we understand other brain disorders, like Parkinson’s

But we don’t understand depression in the same detailed way that we understand other brain disorders, like Parkinson’s

For example, in Parkinson’s disease, we can point to the death of certain dopamine neurons. In Alzheimer’s, we can point to specific proteins. But the neural causes of depression are much more nuanced.

Depressed mood, such as feeling sad or empty or even constantly irritable Decreased interest or pleasure in all—or almost all—activities Significant (and unintentional) weight loss, weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite Insomnia or increased desire to sleep Either restlessness or slowed behavior that can be observed by others Fatigue or loss of energy Feelings of worthlessness, or excessive or inappropriate guilt Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide1