Professionals as well as laymen are now accepting the strong link
between stress and depression: When one is typically present, unfortunately,
often the other isn't too far behind. According to National
Institute of Mental Health, the damage caused by a combination of
the two can be far more extensive than that. Developments in brain
imaging and neurology have shown stress really works to "rewire"
the brain's emotional circuitry, altering its connections in
a way so that it affects the way the brain functions.
Stress triggers a "fear center" in the amygdala sector
of the brain that takes over emotions and affects thinking. Usually,
when a stressful event occurs, our body's response to it fades
away. Combined with depression, the chemical imbalance in the brain
holds onto the stress, keeping the feelings active. And it gets
worse.
Brain imaging scans have shown those who suffer from long-term
stress may fail to feel any positive feelings in the prefrontal
cortex, the region of the brain that maintains and originates emotions.
When that depressed brain is "rewired," dread and fear
can flow unimpeded from the amygdala to the prefrontal cortex.
A variety of stressors can adversely affect
the brain:
- Growing up in poverty
- Ongoing work stress
- Overscheduled work/school commitments
Thanks to brain imaging technology, however, experts believe the
stress/depression combo that destroys nerve cell connections in
the brain may be reversible. The "structural plasticity"
and the remodeling of neurons allow the brain to be highly adaptable.
Kansas
City Star November 3, 2004
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