First NewMexiKen learns that stress can cause your brain to shrink. I found that depressing. Now I learn that depression can cause your brain to shrink. I find that stressful.
Kramer presents a sustained case that depression, far from enhancing cognitive or emotional powers, essentially pokes holes in the brain, killing neurons and causing key regions of the prefrontal cortex — the advanced part of the brain, located just behind the forehead — to shrink measurably in size. He lucidly explains a wealth of recent research on the disease, citing work in genetics, biochemistry, brain imaging, the biology of stress, studies of identical twins. He compares the brain damage from depression with that caused by strokes. As a result of diminished blood flow to the brain, he says, many elderly stroke patients suffer crippling depressions. Is stroke-induced depression a form of ”heroic melancholy”? If not, then why pin merit badges on any expression of the disease?
Review of Peter D. Kramer’s Against Depression
Thanks to Veronica for the pointer about Kramer’s book.