Explore the Science of Depression

Medically reviewed by

Chelsea Tersavich, PA-C

Published on

November 20, 2023

Updated on

Let’s explore the science behind depression.

Depression is a multifaceted condition influenced by a blend of genetic, environmental, and psychosocial factors. While the experience of depression varies uniquely for each individual, there are a few common events that happen in our brains when we feel its effects:

Neurotransmitter Imbalance

Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and overall brain function.

Reduced levels of these neurotransmitters can lead to mood disturbances and the characteristic symptoms of depression.

Reduced Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections between neurons.

In depression, there is evidence of reduced neuroplasticity, which may contribute to difficulties in processing emotions and negative thought patterns.

Overactive Amygdala

The amygdala, part of the brain's limbic system responsible for emotions, can become overactive.

This hyperactivity may lead to increased sensitivity to negative stimuli, resulting in a heightened emotional response to distressing events.

Impaired Prefrontal Cortex Function

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and impulse control, can show reduced activity in depression.

This impairment might contribute to difficulties in regulating emotions and coping with stress.

Stress Hormones

The prolonged release of stress hormones, like cortisol, can change brain structure and function over time, which can further exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

Hippocampal Atrophy

The hippocampus, involved in memory and emotional processing, can experience shrinkage in individuals with depression.

This may affect memory, mood regulation, and contribute to cognitive difficulties associated with depression.

———

The Beyond Depression pathway will help you manage depressive symptoms and life experiences as they arise, and build a new life, with you in charge of your emotional states.

Eric Brown

Eric Brown is a content writer and program creator at Mindbloom, and the Director of Apotheosis Retreats. As a facilitator, coach, guide, and creator, he combines cognitive science, psychedelic medicines, and healing modalities to create powerful spaces for personal growth and development.

Chelsea Tersavich, PA-C

Chelsea Tersavich, PA-C, is a psychiatric clinician who has conducted psychiatric evaluations and facilitated ketamine therapy sessions for over 250 Mindbloom clients. Chelsea obtained a master’s degree from the Interservice PA Program and has extensive mental health and primary care experience from her army career, where she treated thousands of Soldiers as a Battalion PA and a clinic Medical Director.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. If you are in a life-threatening situation, call the National Suicide Prevention Line at +1 (800) 273-8255, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Safety Information

Important FDA Safety Information

Ketamine is not FDA-approved for the treatment of depression or anxiety. Learn more about off-label uses here.

Side effects of ketamine treatment may include: altered sense of time, anxiety, blurred vision, diminished ability to see/hear/feel, dry mouth, elevated blood pressure or heart rate, elevated intraocular or intracranial pressure, excitability, loss of appetite, mental confusion, nausea/vomiting, nystagmus (rapid eye movements), restlessness, slurred speech, synesthesia (a mingling of the senses).

Do not proceed with ketamine treatment if any of the following apply to you:

Allergic to ketamine
Symptoms of psychosis or mania
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
CHF or other serious heart problem
Severe breathing problem
History of elevated intraocular or intracranial pressure
History of hyperthyroidism
Other serious medical illness
Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant

Ketamine has been reported to produce issues including, but not limited to, those listed below. However, lasting adverse side-effects are rare when medical protocols are carefully followed.

While ketamine has not been shown to be physically addictive, it has been shown to cause moderate psychological dependency in some recreational users.

In rare cases, frequent, heavy users have reported increased frequency of urination, urinary incontinence, pain urinating, passing blood in the urine, or reduced bladder size
Ketamine may worsen problems in people with schizophrenia, severe personality disorders, or other serious mental disorders.
Users with a personal or family history of psychosis should be cautious using any psychoactive substance, including ketamine, and discuss potential risks with your MindBloom^® clinician before proceeding with treatment.
The dissociative effects of ketamine may increase patient vulnerability and the risk of accidents.

To promote positive outcomes and ensure safety, follow these ketamine treatment guidelines:

Do not operate a vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle) or heavy machinery following treatment until you’ve had a full night of sleep
Refrain from taking benzodiazepines or stimulants for 24 hours prior to treatment
Continue to take antihypertensive medication as prescribed
Avoid hangovers or alcohol intake
Refrain from consuming solid foods within 3 hours prior to treatment and liquids within 1 hour prior to treatment
Ketamine treatment should never be conducted without a monitor present to ensure your safety