Final answer:
Depression is associated with several abnormalities in the brain, including hippocampal atrophy, decreased prefrontal cortex activity, reduced serotonin levels, and imbalanced neurotransmitter function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Depression is a mental disorder that can affect various aspects of brain function. Here are four abnormalities in the brain for people struggling with depression:
- Hippocampal atrophy: People with depression often show a shrinkage in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in memory and emotion.
- Decreased prefrontal cortex activity: The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and regulating emotions, tends to be less active in individuals with depression.
- Reduced serotonin levels: Depression is associated with low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which can contribute to the development and maintenance of depressive symptoms.
- Imbalanced neurotransmitter function: Dysregulation of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, can disrupt the brain's communication pathways and contribute to depression.