Sclerosis - Related Brain Inflammation May Cause Depression: A Study

Inflammation of the brain associated with sclerosis may be causing depression, according to research. Patients with multiple sclerosis have seen higher rates of depression - compared to the general population. Abnormal immune response, one of the characteristic symptoms of multiple sclerosis, is also linked to depression. Researchers believe this may be a shared pathological mechanism, which helps explain the link between multiple sclerosis and rates of depression.

The results add evidence to support that inflammation of the hippocampus alters its function and contributes to depressive symptoms. Hippocampus is involved in the maintenance of depression and the pathology of multiple sclerosis.

The researchers combined two complementary brain imaging techniques to study the relationship between hippocampal immune response, functional connections, and depressive symptoms in 13 multiple sclerosis patients and 22 healthy controls. Imaging techniques included positron emission tomography (PET) and applied magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

PET imaging revealed immune activation in the hippocampus, first author Dr. explained. Alessandro Colasanti. He added, "We also found that increased inflammation was associated with more severe symptoms of depression."

FMRI revealed that immune activation in the hippocampus alters its connection to other brain regions.

"This study, which combines two high-resolution brain imaging methods, suggests that inflammation of the hippocampus affects brain function and leads to depression," - explained Colasanti.

The results of the study reveal that inflammation of the hippocampus may contribute to higher rates of depression in patients with multiple sclerosis. The researchers suggest that targeting inflammation of the brain may be an effective treatment option for depression in multiple sclerosis.

The link between multiple sclerosis and depression

We know that people living with multiple sclerosis have a higher risk of developing depression, compared to the general population, so there must be some sort of underlying link between the two conditions.

Depression often comes from very stressful situations, so it's pretty clear why patients with multiple sclerosis may be prone to depression - life - changing and living with it can be very stressful. the symptoms.

On the other hand, multiple sclerosis may contribute to depression as it destroys the protective shield around the nerves, which are responsible for sending signals to regulate mood. Therefore, when these nerves are damaged, mood swings may occur.

Finally, medication and multiple sclerosis treatments such as steroids may have side effects.

Treatment for depression in multiple sclerosis

It is important to treat depression in multiple sclerosis immediately, as the longer it progresses the greater the impact it can have on the primary condition. Not only can depression in multiple sclerosis exacerbate symptoms, but it can also motivate patients to make adverse decisions - such as stopping their treatment, for example .

Symptoms of depression in multiple sclerosis include sadness, loss of energy, feelings of hopelessness, loss of enjoyment in activities that were once valued, difficulty concentrating, uncontrollable crying, difficulty making decisions, irritability, and increased need for sleep.

Common treatments for depression in multiple sclerosis include the use of antidepressants, speech therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, and St. John's Wort, which may be effective in mild depression - always talk to your doctor before starting natural supplement as treatment.

The sooner you start treatment for depression, the more likely you are to improve the results of multiple sclerosis.

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