Biology of depression

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The biology of depression is the attempt to identify a biochemical origin of depression, as opposed to theories that emphasize psychological or situational causes. Scientific studies have found that different brain areas show altered activity in humans with major depressive disorder (MDD). Further, nutritional deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin D, and tryptophan have been linked with depression; these deficiencies may be caused by the individual's environment, but they have a biological impact. Several theories concerning the biologically based cause of depression have been suggested over the years, including theories revolving around monoamine neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, inflammation and the circadian rhythm. Physical illnesses, including hypothyroidism and mitochondrial disease, can also trigger depressive symptoms. Neural circuits implicated in depression include those involved in the generation and regulation of emotion, as well as in reward. Abnormalities are...

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