[Matt --I will say I will say this personally I believe that a big part of depression is a stress related disorder.No-- i dont think its 100% proven continued atrophy.


What is known or proves is the hippocampus that atrophy is seen after known major depression.

I also know that CRF is known to be the main culprit in depression. That stress will increase the crf levels that will damge the hipocampus.

so what do we know for sure ????

stress increases the CRF levels--and that will damge the hippocampus.

stress will also decrease the BDNF and that the nerve cells will lose its ability to produce certain chemicals ---and that depression will follow.

Matt there is no solid study known that known to meassure the BDNF in the hippocampus.But---what is known is about the CRF levels and stress--- is known --is there links --btw a smaller hippocampus-- and known depression. Factually even if patients did not feel better for months on meds ---what is proven that antidepressants helped it re-grow hippocampus.

Personally all is really known is ---CRF is bad for your brain --that Bdnf is good for the brain--- taking and comlying to meds are good as well. Benefits of exercise and mentally and physically show benefits too.