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Mind and Brain The picture to the right
demonstrates a remarkable discovery about the human brain: it can grow even
as we age. Our brain has natural mechanisms to protect itself and further its
growth. During a mood disorder, these
mechanisms may not work well, in part because of an imbalance of stress hormones
like cortisol. Both stress and mood disorders
can both take a toll on the brain. Another remarkable discovery is
shown below. Several medications for
mood disorders actually help the brain recover its health and grow new
connections. These include lithium and
depakote (valproate) for
bipolar disorder and antidepressants for unipolar
depression. Notice how the brain cells to the right are more plentiful and
healthy:
Scientists used to believe that our
brains didn’t change in adulthood, but new imaging techniques like these have
taught us otherwise. We also know that
activity can enhance the brain: walking, playing piano and juggling promotes
growth in the brain (but the brain shrinks back if the activities are given
up). These connections help dispel the
myth that the mind and brain are separate.
The word Resilience Factors
describes anything which improves brain function, whether it is psychological
or biological in nature. Biological resilience factors include BDNF and bcl-2
(two molecules which enhance brain growth). Psychological resilience factors
include: Optimism, humor, gratitude,
flexible thinking, acceptance, spirituality, charity or altruism, the ability
to “step outside yourself,” supportive friends, good role models, and
physical exercise. To continue to the next section,
click Genes
& Inheritance. —Updated 7/18/08 by Chris Aiken, MD |
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