Abstract
In this opinion article, we humbly propose a new viewpoint on the etiopathogenesis of depression. We base the model on our interpretation of selected recent neurophysiological findings, mainly regarding Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to treat Parkinson's Disease and also DBS to treat Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). We coin the idea a mental kindling-like mechanism. However, future clinical research, possibly complemented with human laboratory research or animal experiments, will be needed to test the validity of our proposed model. On the current manuscript framework, following the first and introductory section, we will set the stage by presenting selected studies and insights mainly from DBS to treat TRD and PD, on the second and middle section. Finally, we will discuss the proposed viewpoint on the third and last section of the present work.
Highlights
In this opinion article, we humbly propose a new viewpoint on the etiopathogenesis of depression
According to our interpretation of the studies presented above, we propose that a severe adverse life event, or repetitive mild/moderate chronic negative life events can initially lead, at least in part, to conscious and transient hyperactivation of area 25 and an automatic/involuntary processing of this information contribute to its chronic hyperactivation
Depressive patients often have constant, repetitive, involuntary thoughts that they not regularly pay attention to. They say that recent sad life events triggers the memories of previous sad thoughts and feelings, which amplify the currents ones. They recognize this pattern if the clinician asks them what are the content of their thoughts and feeling, at night when they are in the bed awaiting to fall asleep, or when they are not occupied with day to day tasks
Summary
Insights From the Neurophysiology of Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease and Treatment-Resistant Depression. Amílcar Silva-dos-Santos 1,2*, Miguel Sales 2, Ana Sebastião 3 and Ricardo Gusmão 4,5. Specialty section: This article was submitted to Neuroimaging and Stimulation, a section of the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry. New Viewpoint on the Etiopathogenesis of Depression: Insights From the Neurophysiology of Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease and Treatment-Resistant. Journalist: Aren’t you afraid of not feeling human after the implantation of the deep brain stimulation electrodes to treat your resistant depression? Patient: When I was suffering from treatment-resistant depression I was not feeling human!. (A patient of Dr Helen Mayberg treated with Deep Brain Stimulation)
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