Research has shown that depression can disrupt the stress system and potentially shorten lifespan by nearly 10 years.

Neuroscience News, a specialized brain science news outlet, reported that depression disrupts the body's stress system, leading to physical health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, and shortens life expectancy by 7 to 10 years, citing a paper published in the journal Brain Medicine.

 

According to this paper published by the renowned neuroendocrine psychiatrist Dr. Philip W. Gold, a stress system disrupted by depression causes brain structural changes, such as a 40% reduction in the volume of the lower prefrontal cortex, and disrupts hormonal systems related to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), norepinephrine, and cortisol.

Dr. Gold explained, "The combined effects of CRH, norepinephrine, cortisol, and inflammatory pathways help explain why depression often leads to early onset of various diseases and shortens the lifespan of affected individuals." He added, "The harm caused by depression extends beyond mood and thoughts to physical health risks such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and stroke."

 

He also added, "Depression shows clear stress responses, which suggest the need for personalized treatment." This study also revealed significant differences among subtypes of depression. While depression is characterized by increased activation of the stress system, atypical depression exhibited lower CRH secretion and cortisol levels.

 

Dr. Gold stated, "The biological mechanisms suggest that different treatment approaches are needed," and "This understanding opens up new possibilities for treatment." According to reports, this study presents innovative therapies targeting neuroendocrine dysfunction, including CRH antagonists, IRS p53 modulators, and hormone receptor regulators, which potentially offer more effective options for managing depression disorders.

 

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Depression causes disruption in the stress system.

Research results have been released indicating that lifespan could be shortened by nearly 10 years.

 

Recently, even in our neighborhood apartment,

I heard some bad news.

 

These days, depression seems to be one of the scariest illnesses.