Depression a physical inflammatory disease, says psychiatrist

Depression is an inflammatory illness, according to a well-known psychiatrist and author.

Dr. Diane McIntosh points to major physical changes in the brain as an overlooked issue with depression.

She told Gormley that it’s more than just a chemical imbalance.

“When we have a high level of cortisol, which is our stress hormone…that actually causes the brain cells that are supposed to support our neurons to stop doing their job,” she said.

“When they stop doing their job, they actually set up this inflammatory cascade that damages neurons.”

Because of this, depression can be compared to a physical illness.

McIntosh thinks modern antidepressants don’t take this into account.

“The medications that we have to date are just not adequate. They save lives right now, but many of them come with side effects, people don’t like taking them.”

She thinks that researchers need to focus more on brain inflammation.

“We need to change the world in mental health, and we’re not going to do that without research and development.”

In the mean time, a combination of lifestyle choices is the best help. She highlighted exercise, diet, therapy, and medication.