[Catalyst 2017]

depression is still an
enigma to physicians
and researchers
alike
Depression is usually treated with some
form of therapy or antidepressant
medication. In cognitive behavior
therapy (CBT), the psychologist tries to
change the perceptions and behavior
that exacerbate a patient’s depression.
Generally, the doctor starts by attempting
to change the patient’s behavior because
it is the only aspect of his or her current
situation that can be described. Dr.
Diddel suggests such practices to her
patients, saying things like “I know you
don’t feel like it, but I want you to go out
and walk everyday.” Walking or any form
of exercise increases catecholamines,
which essentially increases the activity of
serotonin in the brain and improves the
patient’s mood. People who exercise as
part of their treatment regimen are also
less likely to experience another episode
of depression.
The efficacy of antidepressant medication
varies from patient to patient depending
on the severity of depression a patient
faces. People with mild to moderate
depression generally respond better
to CBT because the treatment aims to
change their mindset and how they
perceive the world around them. CBT
can result in the patient’s depression
gradually resolving as he or she perceives
the surrounding stimuli differently,
gets out and moves more, and pursues
healthy endeavors. Psychologists usually
begin CBT, and if the patient does not
respond to that well, then they are
given medication. Some medications
increase serotonin levels while others
target serotonin, dopamine, and
norepinephrine; as a result, they boost
the levels of neurotransmitters that
increase arousal levels and dampen
negative emotions. The population of
patients with moderate to severe
depressions usually respond
better to antidepressant
medication. Medication
can restore ideal levels
of neurotransmitters,
which in turn encourages
the patient to practice
healthier behavior.
According to the Center
for Disease Control and
Prevention, the US saw
about 2.5 million cases of
traumatic brain injury in 2010
alone. 5 That number rises every year
and with it brings a number of patients
who suffer from depression in the
aftermath. 5 Though the mental disorder
has been studied for decades and
treatment options and medications are
available, depression is still an enigma
to physicians and researchers alike. No
two brains are wired the same, making
it very difficult to concoct a treatment
plan with a guaranteed success rate.
The work of researchers and clinical
psychologists like Dr. Diddel, however,
aims to improve the currently available
treatment. While no two patients are the
same, understanding each individual’s
depression and tailoring treatment to
the specific case can vastly improve the
patient’s outcome.
WORKS CITED
[1] American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic
and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th
ed.). Washington, DC, 2013.
[2] Fann, J. Depression After Traumatic Brain
Injury. Model Systems Knowledge Translation
Center [Online]. http://www.msktc.org/tbi/
factsheets/Depression-After-Traumatic-Brain-
Injury (accessed Dec. 28, 2016).
[3] Fann, J.R., Hart, T., Schomer, K.G. J.
Neurotrauma. 2009, 26, 2383-2402.
[4] Mayo Clinic Staff. Traumatic Brain Injury. Mayo
Clinic, May 15, 2014. http://www.mayoclinic.org/
diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/basics/
treatment/con-20029302 (accessed Dec. 29, 2016).
[5] Injury Prevention and Control. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.
cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html
(accessed Dec. 29, 2016).
Images by Freepik and Wikimedia Commons
DESIGN BY Lin Guo
EDITED BY Shrey Agarwal
serotonin
dopamine
norepinephrine
CATALYST | 43