Investigations: Journal Post 13

In the past few weeks, I have been preparing for my project which will be presented on Monday during the convention. The subject I chose was depression, a topic that is very close to me. I have suffered from depression for a long time so it only seemed natural to talk about something that I could speak about from experience.

In my studies, I focused on the monoamine hypothesis of depression. This theory states that one cause for depression may be an issue with neurotransmitters and their receptors in nerve cells. The idea is that there are perhaps too few neurotransmitters causing a lack of stimulus with receptors.
This research got me thinking about how the correlation of maltreatment and abuse at a young age could heighten low neurotransmitter levels to something more negative. In my research, I found that while it is not a certainty, there may very well be a link to monoamine deficiency and childhood trauma which heightens the symptoms of depression.

One interesting point I found combined genetics and cellular pathways into one possible cause for depression. The monoamine oxidase A gene of MAO-A gene is an enzyme that degrades the level of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. When functioning normally, levels of neurotransmitters are stable and a healthy reaction with receptors in nerve cells occurs. When there is a mutation in the gene, it does not function correctly and exaggerates symptoms of depression, which is similar to the monoamine hypothesis. A study conducted showed that individuals with the MAO-A gene mutation and were exposed to childhood trauma grew up to be hostile, problematic adults. When not treated with care, symptoms can become heightened, making it very difficult for someone to cope and function normally.

If a child is effected by this mutation, they are unable to be emotionally stable and experience confusing changes in mood. They feel lethargic and anxious. When also exposed to harsh childhood experiences, these emotions and symptoms are taken to unbelievable levels.

Another study showed that some serial killers had this mutation of the gene alongside experiences of childhood trauma.
Again, the reasons behind depression are not a certainty and there is not one reason as to why depression occurs. Everyone is unique and reacts differently do it.At a young, tender age, abuse is more influential than ever and can lead to adulthood depression that can be worse than that of someone who had not been abused.

It is interesting knowing how much everything in the body is directly affected by the things around it. Childhood abuse is no light matter and it is obvious it will lead to trauma later on in life. Unfortunately, some do not understand the dynamic of the situation and don't understand just how impactful it is.


For more information, click links above.