Depression changes structure of the brain, study suggests
Alterations were found in parts of the brain known as white matter, which contains fibre tracts that enable brain cells to communicate with one another by electrical signals. White matter is a key component of the brain's wiring and its disruption has been linked to problems with emotion processing and thinking skills. The study of more than 3000 people -- the largest of its type to date -- sheds light on the biology of depression and could help in the search for better diagnosis and treatment. Scientists at the University of Edinburgh used a cutting-edge technique known as diffusion tensor imaging to map the structure of white matter. A quality of the matter -- known as white matter integrity -- was reduced in people who reported symptoms indicative of depression. The same changes were not seen in people who were unaffected. Depression is the world's leading cause of disability, affecting around a fifth of UK adults over a lifetime. Symptoms include low mood, exha...