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Dr. Zafirides
189 Posts |
 Posted - 02/25/2013 : 20:03:02
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Hi Everyone,
I thought you might find this University of Montreal study interesting:
http://www.thehealthymind.com/2013/02/24/why-stress-reduction-and-brain-size-may-be-the-key-to-managing-chronic-pain/
First the obvious: stress reduction helps reduce chronic pain. Nothing new.
but then, there's this...
The researchers found an association with the size of our hippocampus (the memory center in our brain) and the level of chronic pain we feel. As I said in the the post, it is a very small study. But the very unique thing about the hippocampus is that it is an area of our brain that can regenerate and increase in size.
Fascinating study. I hope you find it worthwhile.
Kindly,
Dr. Z
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pspa123
672 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2013 : 20:29:17
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| High cortisol and reduced hippocampal volume also are associated with depression. Indeed the claim has been mademthat antidepressants can reverse this shrinkage by stimulating growth of new neurons. |
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Dr. Zafirides
189 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2013 : 07:49:58
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quote:
Originally posted by pspa123
High cortisol and reduced hippocampal volume also are associated with depression. Indeed the claim has been mademthat antidepressants can reverse this shrinkage by stimulating growth of new neurons.
It is an interesting phenomenon, to say the least. But I think it is fair to say that - with regard to the hippocampus and depression - there is correlation, but not necessarily causation at this point.
While it has been theorized that antidepressants can stimulate neuron growth, they probably do it through the process of increasing BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. BDNF causes neurons to "arborize" or spread out their branches. In this way, the connections are richer and with more efficient transmission. But you can see increased BDNF with things like exercise and meditation as well, so it isn't just about meds.
It is a very interesting area of medicine. One of the leading researchers in BDNF and inflammation, Dr. Vladimir Maletic, will be on my podcast in the next few weeks. He is one of the most amazing minds in psychiatry today.
Here is an interesting set of slides on the neurobiology of depression and BDNF if you are interested:
http://www.nysafp.org/other/Depression%20Maletic_Part%201%20%5BCompatibility%20Mode%5D.pdf
I am humbled and honored to have Dr. Maletic join me. I will let you know more about it once I firm up the date of the show.
Dr. Z |
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Stress Reduction (and brain size) Decreases Pain
