Depression is a mental illness that is still very hard to treat professionally. Not only is it caused by a myriad of experiences and chemical imbalances in the brain, but those who suffer from it often have trouble seeking treatment. They can struggle with having a lack of motivation, can have trouble maintaining full-time work (which leads to financial stress), and can have seemingly inescapable feelings of sadness, loneliness, and apathy for the world around them. 

Depression is not like other forms of grief and sadness. Because of its long-lasting effects and difficulty in diagnosis, mental health professionals often struggle to find sustainable treatments for their patient. That of course, is only for those who are able to get the help they need. Even for those with the financial means, depression can cause one to lack the mental and emotional capability to even make the first appointment. 

Depression has perplexed health care professionals for decades. However, we have made great strides in treating depression based on modern neuroscience and research. Therapies such as neurotherapy aided by QEEG/brain mapping can make it easier for someone with depression to receive long-lasting treatment. These modern therapy options reduce the likelihood of spending years in the therapist’s office, and provide the potential for long-term relief of symptoms. By understanding how the brains of those with depression are different, we can help sufferers relieve their symptoms without years of treatment or invasive procedures and medications. 

Here are just some of the ways in which we understand major depressive disorder from a neurological perspective: 

Depression can shrink your brain. 

Numerous studies are conducted every year to better understand how depression affects the brain. One trend that scientists have discovered is that those diagnosed with depression often exhibit reduction in gray matter volume in certain areas of the brain. The degree to which gray matter is lost often correlates with the number of depressive episodes experienced over a lifetime. However, this could be one reason why certain cognitive tasks and emotional regulation are more difficult for those with depression. 

Your hippocampus can suffer. 

The hippocampus is the part of your brain that stores long-term memories. It helps you remember empirical knowledge and life experiences, as well as abstract thoughts and concepts. Research over the decades has shown that gray matter can decrease overall in the brains of those who are depressed, but more recent studies show that the hippocampus is one area which is significantly affected. MRI imaging from one study showed that 65% of its participants had a decrease in hippocampus size than those without diagnosed depression. While researchers are unsure of why this happens, these findings could also lead therapists to better understand depressive episodes and their causes. 

Depression makes it harder for your brain to develop.

Neuroscientists study “neural plasticity” or the brain’s ability to change and grow over a lifetime. Several research studies have concluded that neural plasticity is much lower in individuals who suffer from mood disorders as compared to those who are mentally and emotionally healthy. Some signs point to biological factors, such as oxygen availability in the brain, while others are environmental. 

People with depression don’t have to suffer. At Reboot, we use groundbreaking QEEG/brain mapping studies coupled with neurotherapy services to retrain your brain and reduce symptoms related to depression and other mood disorders. Our treatments are noninvasive and can achieve astounding results in a fraction of the time of traditional therapies. 
We know it’s hard to ask for help, but the door is always open at Reboot. Contact us today to learn more.