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Depression - Mind body effects
In mental stress, strain, depression, anxiety, fear, overthinking etc, where loss of sleep, memory and focus issues etc, and other symptoms of depression or depressed functioning occur, is there any loss of nerve cells or neurons or damage to the brain as an organ? Where nerve cells die off? Any permanent decline in cognitive functions or loss of mental abilities forever? Please clarify. Does cortisol excess due to any reason kill off neurons in the hippocampus forever? Does chemical imbalance or neurotransmitters imbalance lead to neurons dying? Please clarify and give right information only please. The release of inflammatory cytokines kills or damages the brain? Please provide clarity.
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We can understand your distress related to these biological phenomenon
Do not worry, in mood disorders such as depression, anxiety or disturbed sleep, there is no such permanent damage to brain tissue, their etiology is different
For example, In most of the mood disorders or Psychiatric illness, there is imbalance of neurotransmitter as serotonin, dopamine, cortisol etc, this variation does not damage neurons , these neurotransmitters work at respective receptors
Medications for these mood disorders work at receptor level by normalisation of these neurotransmitters that are called chemicals in general term
In dementia , there is damage to neurons, or other brain organic conditions such as tumour, epilepsy etc,there is damage to neurons
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Hi
kill neurons or cause permanent brain damage, rather they affect how brain circuits function. Excess cortisol can temporarily weaken hippocampus and prefrontal cortex connections leading to poor memory, focus, and sleep, but these changes are reversible through neuroplasticity. Neurotransmitter imbalance does not destroy neurons, it only reduces efficiency of signaling, and inflammatory cytokines may influence mood but typically do not cause permanent neuronal loss in common psychological stress. With therapy, lifestyle changes, and treatment if needed, the brain can recover and restore its functions. Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
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No permanent massive neuron death occurs in routine depression or anxiety.
Cortisol excess can shrink hippocampus temporarily, but it is reversible.
Neurotransmitter imbalance = signaling problem, not neuron killing.
Cognitive issues in depression are reversible once mood is stabilized.
Treatment, therapy, exercise, meditation, good sleep, and social support promote brain healing and neurogenesis.
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Hi.. yes prolonged untreated depression and anxiety can alter neuronal plasticity. Consult online for treatment
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Are you facing all these issues? If yes, please consult a psychiatrist soon.
Regarding your queries, there are ample amount of research dimensions which are changing regularly. Several findings are there, you may take a look through journals like Nature, Lancet etc.
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