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The Neurophysiology of Stress and Depression

This article explores the neurophysiology of stress and depression, focusing on brain cells, neurotransmitter/electrical systems, and the concept of plasticity. Learn how brain cells communicate, the role of serotonin in stress response, and the impact of plasticity on stress and depression. Gain insights into the relationship between stressors, coping resources, and patterns of brain activity. Suitable for parents, therapists, and those interested in understanding the physiological processes behind stress and depression.

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The Neurophysiology of Stress and Depression

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  1. The Neurophysiology of Stress and Depression October 25, 2013 Brian M. Fidlin, Psy.D. Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine

  2. Brain Cell

  3. Brain Cells -continued

  4. The Brain • Structure: Gray Matter vs. White Matter • Neurotransmitter/Electrical System • Plasticity Concept

  5. Neurotransmitter/Electrical System: How Brain Cells Communicate To send a message, a brain cell releases a chemical (neurotransmitter) into the space separating two cells called the synapse. The neurotransmitter crosses the synapse and attaches to proteins (receptors) on the receiving brain cell. This causes changes in the receiving brain cell and the message is delivered.

  6. Neurotransmitter/Electrical System: Seratonin and Stress • Wide Pathways vs Narrow Pathways • Response to Stress • Simple Stressors • Complex Stressors • Perception vs. Actual • Decision-Making • With normal Seratonin levels • With low Seratonin levels • Seratonin and Depression • Treatment: Medication/Psychotherapy

  7. Plasticity • Physical redesign triggered by our environment. • Different patterns contain different information • Adults – considerable overlap between patterns • Adolescents – considerable differences between patterns • Communication between patterns leads to increased integration (Important parenting/therapeutic issue)

  8. Plasticity and Seratonin • What stressors exist within a given pattern? • Do I have enough resources to cope with the stressors I am experiencing? • Why am I able to be alright in one pattern but not in another? • Adolescents and considerable difference issue/challenges

  9. Questions

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