What happens to brain during depression anxiety

During depression and anxiety, significant changes occur in the brain, both structurally and chemically. Here's an overview:

1. Chemical Imbalances

Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (responsible for mood regulation) are often dysregulated. A shortage or poor communication between these chemicals can lead to symptoms of depression or anxiety.

2. Brain Regions Affected

Amygdala: This region, associated with fear and emotional responses, becomes overactive during anxiety, leading to heightened stress and panic.

Prefrontal Cortex: Responsible for decision-making and reasoning, this area may become underactive in depression, making it harder to think clearly or make decisions.

Hippocampus: The hippocampus, crucial for memory and regulating emotions, often shrinks during long-term depression. This can contribute to memory problems and emotional instability.

3. Stress Hormones

Depression and anxiety increase the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. Chronic cortisol elevation can damage brain cells, especially in the hippocampus, and worsen symptoms.

4. Nervous System Hyperactivity

Anxiety triggers the fight-or-flight response via the sympathetic nervous system. This constant state of alertness leads to physical symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweating, and hypervigilance.

5. Neuroinflammation

Depression is often linked to increased inflammation in the brain, which may impair neural communication and contribute to fatigue and brain fog.

6. Changes in Brain Connectivity

Functional connectivity between different brain regions becomes disrupted. For example, connections between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex may weaken, reducing the ability to regulate emotions.