The Depressed Brain
Using modern technology researchers are also gaining insight into brain activity during depressed and manic states and into the effects of certain neurotransmitters during these states. One study gave 13 elite Canadian swimmers the wrenching experience of watching a video of the swim and which they failed to make the Olympic team or failed at the Olympic games. Functional MRI scans showed the bummed out swimmers experience brain activity patterns akin to those of patients with depressed moods.
Many studies have found less activities in the brain during slowed down depressive states and more activities during periods of mania. The left frontal lobe, which is active during positive emotions, is likely to be inactive during depressed states. In one study of people with depression, MRI scans found their frontal lobes 7% smaller than normal other studies show that the Hippo campus is vulnerable to stress related damage.
