Study: Thinning of Brain’s Cortex Is Linked to Depression

Jacksonville – A recent study suggests that the thinning of the brain’s cortex is linked to depression.

Brain imaging of several generations of people showed that among those with depression in their family history, the brain cortex was actually thinner.

This was true even of those without symptoms of depression themselves. This is also linked to anxiety disorder.

Apparently the findings do not agree with or deny the genetic inheritance of depression and anxiety.

What they do indicate is that depression’s has a physical component.

This abnormality may be the result of genetic inheritance, but it may also be the result of environment. Other studies have shown that those with depressed parents are more likely to exhibit certain tendencies.

This study, while it shows great promise for the future of depression treatment, cannot discount the effect of environment nor can it discount genetics.

The study reinforces the notion that both genetic studies and environmental studies are important in understanding this common affliction.

It also reinforces the notion that depression cannot be dismissed as simply poor emotional control.

The brain is literally controlled by its emotions when the cortex is thinned as the study implies.

This evidence is needed to encourage more people to seek treatment and more physicians to take the ailment seriously.