Do Antidepressants Shrink Your Brain? No but Depression Does.
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- Do antidepressants shrink your brain? No, but depression does. This question is based on a viewer comment. I think it’s pretty common for people to believe this. But in actuality, the illness, major depression causes brain cell loss and antidepressants protect you from that brain cell loss. This is where we get the term "pseudodementia." Depression can have profound effects on your memory and it's a cumulative effect. The effect is greater with repeated episodes and episodes that go a long time without treatment or resolution.
References:
If you read some of these studies, you’ll notice they use the term “stress” a lot when talking about triggering depression. The “stress” in these studies is not having too much work to do or a demanding schedule, they are talking about stress hormones called glucocorticoids such as cortisol. High levels of these hormones contribute the the cellular changes that cause depression.
Sheline YI et. al., Depression Duration But Not Age Predicts Hippocampal Volume Loss in Medically Healthy Women with Recurrent Major Depression. Journal of Neuroscience. 15 June 1999, 19 (12) 5034-5043
The protein involved in neuron loss
Ota K, Liu R, Voleti B, et al. REDD1 is essential for stress-induced synaptic loss and depressive behavior. Nature Medicine. 2014.
How antidepressants protect against cell loss
Duman RS. Ketamine and rapid-acting antidepressants: a new era in the battle against depression and suicide. F1000Research. 2018;7:F1000 Faculty Rev-659. doi:10.12688/f1000research.14344.1.
Antidepressants increase BDNF
Watanabe K. et. al. Effect of antidepressants on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release from platelets in the rats
Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2010 Dec 1;34(8):1450-4. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.07.036. Epub 2010 Aug 11.
Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.
I upload every Wednesday at 9am, and sometimes have extra videos in between. Subscribe to my channel so you don't miss a video goo.gl/DFfT33
Hearing about my brain shrinking is already triggering my depression..
😒
Dr. Tracey Marks 😟 Why the side eye!?!?
Excellent Video clip! Forgive me for the intrusion, I would love your opinion. Have you thought about - Lammywalness Erase Depression Guide (just google it)? It is an awesome exclusive product for beating depression fast minus the hard work. Ive heard some super things about it and my m8 at very last got amazing results with it.
Me too
smh
This is so true. When i suffered from depression i thought i was developing alzheimers. Shortterm memory problems, problems talking, concentrating...after taking an antidepressant it felt like a veil was lifted. I couldn't imagine what would have happend if it stayed that way forever.
I feel this, it happens to me most of the time and with almost everything, for example I was very quick in solving puzzles and mathematical problems, now I am facing difficulties, I only started taking antidepressants two days ago, and my doctor told me to wait until my condition improves a bit to start psychological therapy in addition to antidepressants , but I am afraid of the problem of brain shrinkage, what if it doesn't return to its normal size, and it remains like this for the rest of my life?! My stupidity has increased because of that, and I don't want to stay like this. Knowing this information made me more depressed, because I suffered a lot from it for long periods of time. I am very sad.
@@samah62270 if you keep thinking like that, you will block and sabotage yourself. Body is very tough, resilient and it has amazing capabilities to recover. Don't panic and try to think positively. Sometimes we torture ourselves with fears that are unnecessary. There are people who started to going to gym in their 70's and become muscular and strong. Sometimes the only limit is out thoughts.
antidepressants destroyed my whole life completely. now what to do about that?
Same
@@LuminousDualities. stay strong you can recover
Explains why I feel so stupid. I have a hard time learning any new information and retaining it, and I’m only 30.
🙂
Dr. Tracey Marks - why are you smiling?
@@__rabi3 cause she helped Moon Turns The Tide with a possible explanation why he/she is feeling that way.
Are you on meds??????
Glad I’m not the only one
I appreciate your level of professionalism, especially the fact that you include references in your descriptions.
Thanks Wander with Purpose. I appreciate you saying that. 🙂
@@DrTraceyMarks I think all industries and most professionals want lifelong engaged customers,which means life long medication and symptoms reappear once stopped
Dr. Tracey Marks How do you come up with ideas for your videos?
Great video content! Sorry for chiming in, I would appreciate your initial thoughts. Have you thought about - Peyadison Initial Principality (Sure I saw it on Google)? It is a great one of a kind guide for discovering how to get rid of depression minus the normal expense. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my mate at last got cool success with it.
Antidepressants destroyed my memory more than depression
I'm 19 and I already can't remember what entire years were like for me - like, when I think of 2017 I can remember one or two things that happened, but I have no clue of what I was like or how the year went for me? And I also can't remember faces of people or names and entire situations; I also don't remember changes in space (such as decoration in my room for an example). This is really odd and it freaks me out so bad. It's like I wasn't present in my own life
could be ADD or ADHD, also when the depression is gone, your cognitive functions go back to normal or nearly normal🙂
Been there. Don't worry because I can assure you that as you get better you will create more memories to latch onto and this phase of being unable to remember will just be a time you fought something hard.
this makes so much sense!!!!! i've been researching depression and going to therapy for years now and this is the first time ive heard of brain shrinkage. the memory part makes a lot of sense. i knew memory problems were associated with depression, but this explanation makes so much sense. the body is undergoing stress, so it diverts energy away from cell repair just like you would put off home repair tasks when you know you are about to lose you job. this also explains why work/school/relationship stress has always been such a huge trigger for my depression... i already have a higher level of stress hormones than most non-depressed people so getting normal stress on top of that makes it harder for my antidepressants to combat the cellular changes that lead to a more depressed mood. thank you for uploading this. i just found your channel today and ive already watched at least 10 of your videos. keep up the good work :)
I've been severely depressed for over a year. My memory is totally shot. I feel like I live my life in a haze... I can't remember what events happened in what order. I can't remember a lot of things that upset me. I don't remember what I did all day without really thinking about it. I'm terrified that I won't be able to reverse this... That I'll just be in a fog for the rest of my life.
I hope you get treatment for your depression.
@@DrTraceyMarks ian gone cap it doesn't seem like your informing people for their sake it just looks like u want to scare people
@@denzelwashington991 I'm replying to a viewer comment. Sometimes people make scary comments. I'd rather address it head on than tip toe around the answer and not really give all the information.
How r u now ?
@@nidhie3039 I'm doing a lot better these days. I still struggle with memory issues but I have since realized that was actually due to a dissociative disorder and not my depression. I have a good support network now and I've realized a lot about myself that I've come to terms with and I've become happier. It really helped that I got some professional help for a while as well.
I still have bad days, but I'm nowhere near where I was when I made this comment. I apologize if it worried people. Honestly, I don't even remember leaving it, ironically enough.
The point is, things have changed a lot in 3 years. Y'all, it can genuinely get better.
Thanks for checking on me, stranger :)
Explains my struggle with memory loss and word choice, which is becoming so marked as to be highly disrupted.
Depression last longer that 6-9 months, I’m 43 and my depression has been with me over 20 years
Yes you can have a one called persistent depression or dysthymia which is a low grade but constant depression that a lot of people dont know have (because it stils let you do your stuff) until they take treatment because a mayor depresive episode.
The important thing I want to clarify here is that this low grade depresion also damages your brain over large periods of time if you dont get treatment and lots of people wonder why they cant be productive, focus or in negative thinking all the time.
It is also a great responsable for addictions in people since your body is always looking for easy ways of relieving the stress of cortisol it causes to the brain, meaning sex, alcohol, drugs etc.
@Necro Mancer I'll be 42 next week and I've had constant anxiety since I was 4, and depression since I was about 28-30. I DEFINITELY notice my memory (particularly short term / working memory), focus, motivation and attention span have SO shrunk!!!
@Necro Mancer Not really! 😭
I’ve had high functioning depression (smiling depression) for 2 years and attempted suicide in 3rd grade
@@ladybaabaa3294 tyrosine helps and so does sam e. Stay away from sugar, alcohol and caffeine
Thank you dr for your video.
As a personal experience I'd like to tell that I have a one called persistent depression or dysthymia which is a low grade but constant depression that a lot of people dont know have (because it stills let you do your stuff) until they take treatment because a mayor depresive episode.
The important thing I want to clarify here is that this low grade depresion also damages your brain over large periods of time if you dont get treatment and lots of people wonder why they cant be productive, focus or find themselves in angriness or negative thinking all the time.
It is also a great responsable for addictions in people since your body is always looking for easy ways of relieving the stress of cortisol it causes to the brain, meaning sex, alcohol, drugs etc.
Hope I'm helping someone take action.
Please research Robert Whitaker before taking any anti-psychotic medication. He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in his work on the subject. Antidepressants can work up to three or four years and then you’re worse off than you were and dependent on medication and now with side effects. His evidence based medicine research is world renowned and published. He has two books. ‘Anatomy of an epidemic’, and ‘mad in America’. Please read and be informed before doing this to your brain and body.
YES!!! We need somebody like him to take down psychiatrists or big Pharma like Tracy Marks.
The reaction comments & cuts are awesome! Feels like MENTAL HEALTH REALNESS! 10 10 10
Hi, Dr. Marks! I was diagnosed with MDD since October 2018, it has been eight months since I started taking meds like antidepressant, antipsychotic, and anticonvulsant, and been undergoing from CBT. It was really helpful, I feel better now. But I don’t feel like I am 100% okay because I am still experiencing unexpected depressive episodes. To be honest, I’m tired of taking Escitalopram, I don’t feel like taking it anymore. But I know I should continue it ‘til I’m mentally okay. Your videos are really educational, thank you! 💓
You're welcome. So glad they're helpful.
Thank you for this video! I've been severely depressed and anxious for over 3 years without a break -- therapy only helps me so much and I've tried over a dozen medications without finding one that works at all. This year, my memory (specifically short term memory) has gotten a lot worse. Experiencing memory issues is really frightening for me and seeing scientific information about it has validated what I'm going through and made it a little less scary.
Oh good I’m glad this is helpful for you to hear.
High how u are doing ….I hope you are fine i have the same problem as you pulse I can’t concentrate nearly all the time ….and I take medication but unfortunately it doesn’t work for my memory ….what you think I should do else
Can you unshrink brain cells once they shrink?? If so how?? I have had depression since I was a teenager I'm now 32 and my memory is no where near what it used to be.
Hi Nataasha. I don't know the answer to this. I think there's a lot that goes into long term cognitive decline in a person who has had years of depression and years on medication.
Dr Neil Nedley might have an answer to that. He promotes a lifestyle change through the 8 laws of health. Change in diet. Pwerfood, exercise and spiritual life. Air, water and exercise.
ua-cam.com/video/ijEi-Qmytns/v-deo.html
Nataasha Patrom Exercise promotes BDNF
I would say yes miss natasha, there is a process called neurogenesis which basically explains that you can get new neurons in your brain for like the entire active period of your life by joining in activities and good habits that promotes the grow of new brain cells.
Should try intensive body training 3 or 4 times a week, a healthy diet and meditation if you can.
Also note that activities that stress you or bad habits like drugs or alcohol kills brain cells.
All of this contributes to your gain or loss of focus, intellect and memory in general. Personal experience.
Dr you're saving my life every time I watch your videos a question I have and conclusion I had made about myself is is answered or squashed. Thank you. I thought by 50 I will be living with dementia the way I have been forgetful because of years of untreated depression
Antidepressants caused me permanent cognitive damages
My memory has become very poor because of depression & anxiety. Cannot think, memorize and even forget meaning of words. Because of that i have difficulty to read and understand a book. 😭😭😭
you took any psychatry drugs?
Thank you, excellent, clear, instructions with video to help older people be able to understand.
You're welcome Sharon. Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much. I always learn from your videos. You are so clear in explaining complex systems without dumbing it down too much.
Thanks Leticia. I always aim to strike that balance.
I love this video! Thank you for clarifying this illness. Ppl so often don't understand the difference between depression the illness and being depressed about something. It can be kinda frustrating lol
You're right Kathrin. We throw around "that made made me depressed" so much that it loses it's significance and we forget that it's a serious disorder.
Depression is much more than just bad mood....
Now I'm glad that after 3 years of having winter depressions I've finally decided to go see a therapist. The sooner the better
Thank you so much for this video. I've been diagnosed with chronic depression when I was 12 (I am now 25) and am still suffering from it. My memory got worse over the years to the point where I sometimes didn't even remember what I said 5 minutes ago in a conversation. I used to beat myself up for being forgetful and clumsy, it really is frustrating cause people I assume I'm just 'not paying attention' and get frustrated with me when in reality I try so hard to remember everything and be mindful. My friends even jokingly call it 'youth dementia'. I constantly hurt myself accidentally, run into doorframes and stuff like that cause I have poor spatial memory. Right now I have a broken toe because I ran into a cupboard. 3 months ago I stabbed my eye accidentally. Sometimes I tell a story once or twice cause I don't remember telling it the first time. This video really helps me understand that I don't have to be so hard on myself and that there's even a medical term for my condition (Pseudodementia) is kind of comforting to me. I feel a lot better about myself now. Keep up the great content. Kind regards from Germany.
I'm glad This was helpful for you and me. A lot of people don't know about the pseudo-dementia term.
💕💕💕
I feel and understand you this happens to me too
I can relate. My memory sucks after having severe depression for about a decade, I didn’t even attribute the clumsiness to my mental illness until I watched this but I can definitely consider that too...
CBT over a year and just NOW starting to think we've found the right thread for treatment.
It’s amazing hard to believe you never give good examples to prevent depressed
Hi Helen. I don't have any examples of how to prevent depression.
What?...pfff haha
Such a helpful advice!
I have had depression for at least 23 years, most of this time I have been taking anti-depressants. My brain is most probably damaged in some form. I have a terrible memory and have brain fog, I sometimes do the most stupid things because I am not thinking correctly. What you are saying makes lots of sense. You mentioned dementia, some people may assume that one is stupid but they do not realise the full story and cause. I always worry about making mistakes and messing things up. I often wonder how much focused and intelligent I would be without this big dark parasitic cloud.
Antidepressants destroyed my brain.
I suffer from emotional numbness,loss memory and sexual disfunctions.
I have PSSD (POST SSRI SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION).
My life is ruined!
Thank you doctor....very useful information.
In some countries doctors are also prescribing physical activity as part of treatment (one of my doctors specified in my doctor's certificate that I should take a brisk walk during daytime for one hour per day or two halfhour sessions). Swddish psychiatric Anders Hansen has also written something of a popular scientific book (i. e. he presents the matter in a way that also people without medical education can understand) on how the body can have an increased level of cellregeneration in the brain by excercising regularly. The book was called "Hjärnstark" ( "Brainstrength") in swedish. It became somewhat of a bestseller, which is a bit unusual for that category of books so it may have been translated though I'm not sure. It's really interesting subject.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
I like your vids and appreciate the work you're doing. Thank you.
Thank you UA-cam channel.😊👍🏼
I had really severe depression and anxiety in graduate school, and I had *severe* memory issues. I noticed it most with working memory. I frequently got lost in unfamiliar places because if I thought about anything at all other than where I was going, I would just keep walking. At one point, I had to start recording myself reading my readings out loud and playing them back, because I couldn't hold the words in my head long enough to make sense out of them. I *felt* like I had, for all intents and purposes, something akin to dementia.
I have been trying to resolve this since 2016, and no one has even mentioned this. Removal from graduate school helped. Therapy helped. But I still have days where it feels like I'm navigating through molasses or it's impossible to hold onto thoughts. The period from 2016 to 2019 is an undefined jumble, and my mind still slides off attempts to remember anything from graduate school, itself.
I'm on a waiting list to see a neuropsychologist. I'm really hopeful to get some answers.
Did you ever see the neuropsych?
@@bfgdgfhthfdhdfghfhdf3451 The waits for neuropsychologists tend to be very long. My appointment is in the late summer.
Thank you dr. Marks, this video motivates me strongly to keep taking my antidepressants!
Ahahah
Leonard Cohen said he had depression from childhood until late old age just before he died. He is considered to be a great poet, and definitely didn't have cognitive decline.
Like I said she's just trying to scare people
Love u videos, so glad u are here for us! I m in antidepressants and anti anxiety medicine couldn't live with them. I took my self off in the summer and ended up in the ER. I m better since I m back on my medicine but what happened to me while I was off, I have still not totally recovered. And yes to the comment below, please write a book! I will be first in line to buy it😊.
Hi Rhonda, thank you for watching. 🙂And thanks for the support. I'm enjoying making the videos too much to take a break to write a book Thanks for the encouragement though. I'm glad you've gotten bette now that you're back on the meds. But I'm sorry you're still recovering from the time off meds. For some of my patients with bipolar disorder, I call it disaster clean up after the storm.
@@DrTraceyMarks .. yes I would call that how I feel lol.. sometimes I think I m bipolar? Either way ur great!
This is so important!
You are doing an awosome job Dr.Tracey ...thank you so much for ur videose n guidelined
Can the damaging effects of depression on my brain be reversed?
i think so yes. I was depressed years ago and dont feel depressed or weird at all anymore, its exactly like I was before I was depressed.
YES. The brain is like putty, so it can be trained to grow.
@@richardc5815 how did you recover from memory loss and concentration issues due to Depression?
@@richardc5815 How did you fix your memory loss?
@@richardc5815 how did you get over depression?
I found this video to be very useful and interesting. Thank you .
Very informative!
What about antipsychiatry claim that ssri antidepressants cause a serotonin deficiency over time?
The brain down regulates serotonin receptors and reduces serotonin production as a counterbalancing effect to drug trapping serotonin in the synapse.
This can lead to antidepressants not working as well over time.
Integrative Psychiatrist Michael Schachter helps his clients reboot their serotonin levels in the brain by taking 5-htp or tryptophan amino acid which turns into serotonin.
PS. Best not to self-medicate. Strongly encouraged to see an Orthomolecular Psychiatrist or Integrative MD or Naturopath.
Serotonin is not the cause of depressione and antidepressants cause problems on long terms
@@sahydyxh5
But 5-htp and tryptophan to a lesser extent has or did improve my mood. Both turn into serotonin.
@@sahydyxh5I am aware of a big study in recent years showing no link between serotonin and depression.
Sorry, Dr. Marks; antidepressants DO CAUSE brain shrinkage. B4 I was prescribed antidepressants, I had a fully-functioning brain. Furthermore, antidepressants (let alone Psych Meds in general) do not address nor resolve the triggers that cause depression & mental health issues in general. U know what those r.
Yes, the Amen Clinics do this same testing. You are right, I have heard about this.
Thank you for these videos
I did laugh at the car scene that helps with depression 🤣😂
Many people especially think anti depressants are the answer when in actuality they are having hormone issues which is causing their problems and then take antidepressants and end up worst than they started.
Welp, I have had depression for half my life and feel even more screwed. :(
Thanks for the honesty though.
That nasty hormone cortisol! I’ve suffered from treatment resistant depression for over 20 years and I had terrible physical manifestations of stress, including weight gain and metabolic syndrome. I’ve had terrible anxiety and sleep disturbance. A couple of years ago my brain was so shot that I thought I was getting Alzheimer’s. I was convinced that something was wrong with my hormones for years. So I went to yet another endocrinologist who knew right away I was having a cortisol problem. I have pituitary dependent Cushing’s Disease. I had 17 mm tumor in my head that was crushing my pituitary gland and secreting the hormone that tells the adrenal glands to pump up cortisol levels. I had been jacked up on my own steroids for decades! I’m 2 years post op. The cortisol withdrawal has been compared to that of heroine. It was scary, painful and I thought I was going to die. Now, I’m dealing with the damage done to my body and brain. I’m not cured, I fluctuate between hypo and hypercortisolism. I’m trying to figure out my new normal while avoiding anything that could cause a relapse, like stress! Thanks 2020, impossible!
The only thing that seems to help with my cognition and depression is TMS. But it’s not for long term treatment. I’ve started and stopped 3x. They can’t approve more sessions until I crash, again. I stretch them out and do well twice a week. I’m wondering if Spravato might help? I had one session and was out of it for 4 days when I needed to focus, so it’s on hold. I’m also really interested in psilocybin research. I feel like I need to reroute around the damaged neurons. If I’m understanding it correctly.
I love your channel and greatly appreciate your work. Thank you!
My brain is broken, and it has been for as long as I can remember... Childhood, age 9, age 11... I'm so tired...
Thank you for this video
If all that is really true then why is it that ssris cause memory loss and concentration problems as side effects.
Thank you for such interesting & important information. I've read that the brains of people with depression look different from one another & could help pinpoint the best treatment for the individual. If that is correct, I sure wish someone would "read" my brain. These constant trial & error attempts to stabilize my bipolar II disorder are beyond frustrating. Any thoughts?
The best we have for personalized medication is pharmacogenetic testing. It tests how you metabolize medications based on the genetic variability of your liver enzymes. In my area, it's still spotty how well it's covered by insurance. If it's not, it's very expensive. But if it's covered, it gives useful information about what medications should work as expected, which ones should not be effective or which ones need to be dosed lower to keep you from getting to many side effects.
Thank you so much for your response, Dr Marks. I actually had the GeneSightRX Psychotropic Test done six years ago. The sample report on their website now has much more information than my results show. I am taking an antidepressant in the box that does not show any cautions but the company states that box does not mean it will work or that it will not cause adverse side effects. ???? Whatever good it might do me, my current psychiatrist will not even look at this report. I will just keep researching how genetics & possibly brain imaging can bring the science into choosing what meds a person should take for their mental illness. I'll see you next time.
Another good video. What do you think about the recent research suggesting that anti-depressants don't change serotonin levels all that much and that their effects are more a result of something else - either neuroplasticity, BDNF or some other factor? Is that consistent with what you say here?
Thank you Dr. Tracy
I have a question. I use to take Lexapro 30 mg when I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. But later through the years I felt like loosing my memory from the medication. I was scared to ask my therapist about it until I read the secondary effects of the medication. Yes they lowered it down to 20 to 15 mg but I stopped taking them to seek other ways since I was taking other medications from other doctors.
Is it possible that i may have like of poor memory loss for taking too many meds with lexapro?
Very informative! Thank you so much :)
You're welcome MC!
Do antidepressants damage your brain or neurotransmitters at all?
Yes
Awesome information
6-9 month cycles sounds right, even with treatment for me because treatment is so hit or miss. Especially over time.
😡This is news to me. Thank you for posting. Why isn’t this impact to the brain more widely known. Instead, ppl struggle to recover enough to return to work and be productive so they don’t get sacked only to find their speech, thinking, vocabulary, writing etc. are not normal. Then anxiety increases because you don’t know what to do and if you’ll get your abilities back.
Had serve depression for 12 years but trying to fight it now but its hard to fight something you don't know your doing, I mean I think negatively but I don't realise I'm doing it for ages, the worse thing at the minute if I for get to have my tablets (like yesterday) ill be super sleepy in the afternoon and then sleep for 3ish hours.
I'm my own worse enemy, I wanna be more social but I don't leave the house much, I wanna beat this depression but I sometimes wanna go back to were I feel nothing and don't care about the world.
Done nothing for 12 year missed out on my 20's make me panic but knowing that I'm 32 and still heading that way makes me want to change before I get to 40 and think I missed out on my 30's.
I will beat this shit has been my mentality since late April this year.
What woke me up was my current girlfriend said she's going out with my daughter and I said "were you going your mums?" she said yea cus its Leon's birthday (her blood nephew) and I said ok and it made me realise people just don't bother asking me anymore cus they know I don't want to go but it sparked something inside me that's not left since, that I will not give into it anymore.
Hello Doctor, I hope you're having a great day. Thank you so much for your videos.
I would like to hear your take on antidepressants and nootropics supplements like thesis. How would you caution someone who's thinking about taking them both?
I have suffered from depression since long. I for one can attest to the fact that when I started medication I felt weird and unstable, sometimes nauseous too but in a period of month or two me and my doctor were able to figure out what is the best combination for me. Over time my memory has improved, my moods have become more stable and I have more energy to deal with real life things that matter than to lie like a log on the bed fighting my brain. Of course therapy is also needed along with medicines.
This is not to say all is hunky dory... but it is getting better and its a long fight.
Antidepressants cause cognitive impairments
If I didn't take escitalopram and wellbutrin, I'm pretty sure I'd lose half of my brain cells! I'm thankful to my psychiatrist for the opportunity to have access to antidepressants
Escitalopram cause brain damage
Are you a troll? Or a psichiatrist?
Bwahahahhahahaahh
I like how articulate she is and i like how she mentioned known facts about depression. But in my experience at least my mind worked better without the medications. The fact is although all these videos are nice, the models are oversimplified. The brain function is much complicated for us to understand right now. But to me it looks like depression is a defense mechanism that brain uses in certain conditions, medications can improve life expectancy in many cases but it paralyses the logical system of brain.
Over a lifetime does meds for bipolar and OCD protect your brain and also what causes night terrors. I love to play music and for the last year or so my ability to remember words to music has increased. Once I stop using word sheets remembering words became easier almost like it was developing a new skill. I'm very encouraged by this . 😀
Hi Tom. I'm not sure if the mood stabilizer med have the same protective effect - they may, I just don't know. But the meds for OCD are usually antidepressants and we know those do. I'm glad you're seeing improvement in you cognitive skills, though. That's awesome.
I forgot to address the night terrors. Night terrors and nightmares are different. Night terrors usually happen in children when transitioning from deep sleep to the lighter phases of sleep. Nightmares can be increased with antidepressants because of REM suppression. I have a very old video on that topic ua-cam.com/video/MERzOzmG8zo/v-deo.html If you are having true night terrors, it may have something to do with how the antidepressant affects sleep architecture.
Please could you make a video on Cyclothymia and rapid cycling bi polar. C-PTSD might also be a good one. Thanks so much for making videos. They really do help!
Hi Laura. You've hit the popular topics. I have videos scheduled on cPtsd and rapid cycling. So stay tuned. I plan to work on one on cycothymia
Thanks very much Dr Tracey Marks! Your videos are always well put together and informative. I’m a great fan!!
I appreciate you are so smart and to the point and look like you are really try to help. But still can say I dont know everything.
Problems are doctor who dont even listen to the patient but assume they know everything about them.
Great video!
Secret tip for the garage and depth issues. Put a tennis ball on a string, hang it from the ceiling so that it touches the windshield when the car is parked properly and then when you come home, drive into the garage and stop when the tennis ball touches the windshield.
Hi Dr Marks
Thank you for this video. I wondering what the long term effect of this is for people with persistent depressive disorder and if the effects can be reduced once the depression is treated.
Thanks again.
Hi LS. That's a great question. The studies talk about depression as measured by having a certain number of symptoms. Persistent depressive disorder is a less severe form of depression. Is it severe enough to create the same effect? My thought would be that this concept would extend to the lesser form of depression as well, but I can't say for sure. That's a good thing to look up. Since we often use antidepressants in persistent depressive disorder, the protective affect of the antidepressants would still apply.
Thank you Dr. Marks, your information is awesome. 💗🔥💯 the getting out the car to suv 😅💕priceless 🥰
Thanks for sharing
If you get treatment for it, can you reverse it and overcome it completely? Say you’ve had depression for years, you finally get diagnosed and get treatment, will you regain your ability to remember like you used to?
I spent 18 years on Prothiaden ( Dosulepin ) and have definatly suffered memory loss, some things in my life are hazy or i dont remember at all, espeiclly from a long time ago. Do you think this is the depression or the med's? Ive been off the meds for 7 years now and am much better but not 100%. Any tips on improving my memory , will it ever return the stuff i dont remember?
thanks for this video it really makes sense
You’re welcome 😊
Hi Dr. Tracey. I've been having severe confusion, tremors and I cant talk right. I just feel like I'm asleep even though I'm awake. Is that kinda like pseudo dementia. I'm 28. My doc thinks I have neurological effects from lithium, that i was taking last year but I still haven't got better and I'm getting worst. I just got prescribed prozac and zyprexa.
My life is pretty messed up. I'm basically constantly in a state of either confusion, boredom, despondency and desolation (these two words at the end quite accurately express my mental state at certain occasions, check the defenition).
Nice car btw!
Call on God
Dr Marks: is there any way to "reverse" or at the least stop this shrinkage? I have started TMS treatments, and would do anything to attempt to gain back some of the losses. Thanks in advance.
Omg!!!! I have this pseudo dementia. I’ve often joked to ppl that I have early onset dementia, but it was a real actual worry and fear and huge concern, making my depression worse, because I can’t remember words, forget all kinds of important things and have really caused some issues with this decreased functioning. I actually STOPPED taking my fluoxetine cause I thought it was CAUSING it! It’s been 4 months and I’ve gotten worse! I have also considered adhd and bipolar as possible factors in my memory and slow brain function. But this makes so much sense now. Am I right in understanding that it can not be healed once it has happened? Only prevented from getting worse with meds and other therapies? I am seeing a psychiatrist finally next week, I’ve only used my GP in the past.
its from ssri
Fluoxetine caused you pseudo dementia
my question is, if you have bipolar and go in a depressed state... is that the same as normal depression? like will it still shrink your brain? and if so, then does the mood stabilizers and other meds for bipolar help with that? i saw one time that antidepressants dont work well if you have bipolar so im wondering what protects your bring from shrinking in the case of bipolar?...
I did donate my brain for mental health research. I hope it can help others
Terrifying. I've had depression and/or dysthymia from about 10yo to around 62yo, with only a few happy years here and there during that time, always followed with a massive crash and dull anxious years in between. I never had treatment but I've been taking supplements in the last past years. Hearing what you are saying I would assume my brain is completely shrunk, is it reversible and how?
OMG...you are talking about me in every way...the memory problem.
Is this only true for SSRI's or also the for NDRI, or the MAOI and other types of antidepressants
Is there any alternative to avoid the brain from shrinking or revert any of its effects,I.e. through neuroplasticity?
Dr. Tracy, could you talk m9re about memory problems and pseudo dementia. Thank you.
I'm not sure if I'm depressed. There are days I get anxiety, I cry, but I can still smile and laugh when I'm with my daughter. It's just that sometimes that happiness is short lived since all these negative thoughts come rushing to my mind and it begins to sadden me. I still function normally, but my thoughts are else where. I noticed memory loss specially how bad it is getting. Yesterday I accompanied my brother to pick some presents for our parents and for the life of me I can't remember What we chose. This happened the same day. My brother dropped me off at home and a few hours later I couldn't remember what was chosen for their present. I have been trying to study and can't concentrate either. It's really frustrating because it sort of feels like someone else is just functioning for me while I'm away.
Just because you're depressed doesn't mean you can't laugh at all.
I sometimes laugh a lot, the happiness just doesn't last long as you said, but I still have depression and anxiety.
In fact I started antidepressants a week ago.
What I'm trying to say here is that laughing doesn't mean you're not depressed or don't have depression.
Pleas let it be checked out if you can. The sooner the better.
Just because you're depressed doesn't mean you can't laugh at all.
I sometimes laugh a lot, the happiness just doesn't last long as you said, but I still have depression and anxiety.
In fact I started antidepressants a week ago.
What I'm trying to say here is that laughing doesn't mean you're not depressed or don't have depression.
Pleas let it be checked out if you can. The sooner the better.
Can you please make a video exploring whether untreated bipolar disorder causes brain damage? If so, do both manic/hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes cause brain damage? Does one cause more damage than the other and is the damage different depending on which state it's caused by? Love your videos :)
Here's from a peer, not a professional. I have heard from doctors that both episodes in bipolar cause cumulative degeneration of the brain and that I should keep on medication to avoid this - and a worsening of the episodes.
Hi Iam. The research I based this on specifically discusses depression and not mania. I don't know if mania creates the same brain changes. But since depression is a part of bipolar disorder, we can conclude that this affects people with bipolar disorder as well. Most times people spend more time in the depressed phase than in the manic phase as well. And like Leticia said, staying on medication to treat bipolar disorder helps keeps these episodes away or at a minimum lessens the impact of them.
Dr. Tracey Marks Thank you for the reply :) Also my name is Laura so you can address me by that instead of my username if you want to.
Letícia T Thank you for the reply :)
Sure Laura. Great to meet you.
I have a lot of brain fog and have had depression since i was 13,32 now Ive also tested positive for thyroid antibodys for hashimotos which can cause brain fog from what ive read as well as reading how untreated thyroid issues can cause a lot of mental health illneses as well as psychosis which ive also experienced can you do a video where you talk about thyroid issues and how they can affect your mental health?
I remember when SPECT use to be for football players only. (Affordability) Their brain shrunk so bad by constant trauma they become violent. Not a bad investment/ lierature from Dr. Amen plus hollistic meds and diet at the end.
Thank you!!
Benzos will
l am so lazy, l don't want to do any thing,l have lost all interests in life l think it might be good if was not born,sexually disabled, what to do,always severe fatigue
I love your videos. They are so helpful with my mental health questions and just bringing these things into the light. Sometimes I struggle with taking my antidepressants, my depression tells me they are causing more harm than good. Thanks to your video I now have another tool I can use to combat that voice.
Oh I'm so glad to hear this Rebecca!
Wow thank you so much for all this helpful information Dr.Tracey, your videos have been such a blessing for me. It all makes sense to me now as i have been dealing with what was said to be major depressionnd now that im 30 diagnosed with bipolar type 1 with mixed states. I tend to be all over the place when I speak, can't even have a full conversation with anyone because I'll have scarred brain nd forget what to say it even damaged my communication skills that even writting this was a challenge. But it makes sense nownd i will definitely be seeking. Counseling. Thank you again your videos are of great help to me nd give me hope. Sorry if this was hard to read :)..
You're welcome Ana. So glad they help you to understand your illness.
No way, my brain must be the size of a peanut
Will taking medication allow me to be 100% normal again? I used to be one of the brightest and smartest kids in my class, but now that I've been severely depressed for the past two years, I am hardly what I used to be. I have chronic brainfog and memory issues now that hinder my performance greatly. I just want to feel normal again :/
Thank you for the video by the way :)
Medications alone, in the treatment of mild and moderate major depressive episodes, are moderately effective. Combined with adequate psychotherapy (ideally CBT, but this should be discussed with your doctor), it will indeed help you heal and recover your cognitive abilities. :-)
thank you, really
Hi doctor if I may ask when u feel better is it safe to come of the meds? Will there be any side effects after coming off these meds tho?
Great video thank you! ❤
Going back to the comment, so shrunken neurons should be causing beautiful and exciting dreams? I am on antidepressants and anxiety medication and even before taking these I had some of the worst, most confusing, sad and intense dreams. Now that I'm taking medication there are even more of them. What could cause this?
Thanks for the answer in advance!✨
SSRIs have many downsides. I understand it's a trade off but unwanted effects of the SSRIs should not be underestimated. Just saying.
I was anxious for 1 year, but after taking combination of medicals my memory got worse. Does it can be because of antidepressants?They are aripiprazole, Luvox and pk Merz .
So... I used to be what you'd call 'a star student' and now I'm struggling to even write an email to my professor to talk about thesis registration because even the idea of writing a thesis is making me paralysed with anxiety. Will I ever be the person I was before?