Study depressions depress the hippocampus?

Major depressive disorder, especially if they start or occur frequently at younger ages, leads to a reduction of the hippocampus. This is the conclusion of scientists from Amsterdam.

Depression can lead to under-functioning of the brain. (Image: Henrie / fotolia)

Previous studies have shown that patients with major depression often have small hippocampi. It was unclear whether the disorder was present before the depression or it is a consequence of depression.

The researchers therefore compared the clinical data of 1,728 patients with major depression and their MRI findings with the data from 7,199 healthy individuals. They were able to confirm the results of earlier studies.

The largest decrease was in the volume of hippocampi in patients with recurrent major depression. No reduction was seen in patients after a first episode of major depression. The researchers conclude that the volume decline is therefore more a consequence of depression than its cause. The decrease in volume was clearly pronounced in young patients who were already suffering from depression before the age of 21. The study can be found here. (Pm)