Depression

Group Name
Pathophysiology of
Depression
•0 Reduced volume of grey-matter and
density of glial cells in the hippocampus
and prefrontal cortex that are
responsible for reward response and
mood control (Fekadu1, Shibeshi, &
Engidawork, 2017).
•1 Decrease in the density of Locus
coeruleus (LC) neuron (Halverson &
Bienenfeld, 2018).

Pathophysiology of
Depression Cont’
•2 Elevated activity in the hypothalamic-
pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis affecting the
structure of amygdala (Jesulola, Micalos,
& J.Baguley, 2018).
•3 Changes resulting in short and long
versions of promoter regions of
serotonin transport(5-HTT) which are
responsible for gene encoding.
•4 Changes that substitute methionine with
valine at the codon 66 within
pro-BDNF area leading to decreased
episodical memory and
emotional stability (Verduijn, et al.,
2015).

Pathophysiology of
Depression Cont’
•5 Breakdown of the serotonergic system
leading to reduced circulation of
serotonin neurotransmitter in the
nervous system which is responsible for
mood, pain detection, appetite and
aggression control (Hasler, 2010).
•6 Reduced amount of 5-
hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the
cerebrospinal fluid leading to impulsive
behavior and suicide thoughts (Brigitta,
2002).
 Pathophysiology of
Depression Cont’
•7 Reduction in the density of 5-HT1A
receptor subtype across various brain
areas (Halverson & Bienenfeld, 2018).
•8 A drop in melatonergic signaling in the
brain which delays
circadian rhythms leading to difficulties in
falling and staying
asleep (Fekadu1, Shibeshi, & Engidawork,
2017).

Pathophysiology of
Depression Cont’
•9 High levels of pro-inflammatory markers
such as IL-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha
and C-reactive protein(Fekadu1,
Shibeshi, & Engidawork, 2017).
•10 Increased levels of Substance P in the
brain;
 A neuropeptide that is responsible for
stress responses.
•11 Reduced estrogen levels among
females;
a hormone that enhances moods.

References
•12 Brigitta, B. (2002). Pathophysiology of
depression and mechanisms of
treatment. Dialogues in Clinical
Neuroscience, 7-20.
•13Fekadu1, N., Shibeshi, W., &
Engidawork, E. (2017). Major Depressive
Disorder: Pathophysiology and Clinical
Management. Journal of Depression and
Anxiety, 1-7.
•14 Halverson, J. L., & Bienenfeld, D.
(2018). Depression. Psychiatry, 1-16.
•15 Hasler, G. (2010). Pathophysiology of
depression: Do wehave any solid
evidence of interest to clinicians . World
Psychiatry, 155-161.
•16 /i/a-quarter-of-americans-develop-
insomnia-each-year-study-reveals/
 References Cont’
•17 Health Medicine Network. (n.d.). A
quarter of Americans develop insomnia
each year, study reveals. Retrieved from
Health Medicine Network:
http://healthmedicinet.com
•18 Jesulola, E., Micalos, P., & J.Baguley, I.
(2018). Understanding the
pathophysiology of depression: From
monoamines to the neurogenesis
hypothesis model - are we there yet?
Behavioural Brain Research, 79-90.
•19 Louis, J. (n.d.). Estrogen & Mood: Is it
Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or “Just
Her Hormones”? Retrieved from Foucs
Integrative Heathcare:
https://www.focusih.com/estrogen-
depression-bipolar-hormones/

References Cont’
•20 Ogunlowo, T. (n.d.). Coping with
Suicidal Thoughts. Retrieved from The
Octopus News:
http://www.theoctopusnews.com/coping-
suicidal-thoughts-tony-ogunlowo/
•21 Verduijn, J., Milaneschi, Y., Schoevers,
R. A., Hemert, A. M., Beekman, A. T., &
Penninx, B. W. (2015). Pathophysiology
of major depressive disorder:
mechanisms involved in etiology are not
associated with clinical progression.
Translational Psychiatry, 1-9.
•22 Whitbourne, S. K. (2015, February 7). 5
Ways to Get Your Unwanted Emotions
Under Control. Retrieved from
Psychology Today:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blo
g/fulfillment-any-age/201502/5-ways-
get-your-unwanted-emotions-under-
control