Sometimes, we feel hopeless. For some people this hopelessness is inescapable, or rather their brain tells them so. How can thought of ending one’s existence arise in our brain which is so trained on survival? In this post we want to look at the neurobiology that underlies this phenomenon. Continue reading The Dark Side of our Brain
Every winter the cycle repeats itself: we look outside our windows and despair to the sight of a cloudy winter sky, with no trace of the sunny days. But the familiar “winter blues” feelings might not be just a “phase”: for some people such periods of low light exposure represent a serious problem to face, and that’s where the term “seasonal affective disorder” (SAD) comes in place. Why does SAD start, and can a look at the neurobiology of the brain help us to understand it more? Continue reading SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD): A “WINTER BLUES” IN OUR BRAIN?
What’s happening on today’s brain scene may have far reaching implications for the clinicians of tomorrow. See here! Continue reading Build for me a brain.
Neuroscience might have the answer: GABA, a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in suppressing unwanted thoughts and memories. And there’s good news: You can actually help your brain to improve this process! Continue reading How does your brain stop unwanted thoughts?
Sometimes, depression doesn’t start in the brain!
How our immune system can trigger symptoms of depressive disorders. Continue reading Sick of it! Depression and the immune system
Experiencing excessive work-related stress and fatigue is common, but it takes a physical and emotional toll that is often underestimated. What is the mechanism behind burnout, and what distinguishes it from a mental disorder? Continue reading Investigating Burnout – Getting Burned Out?
The diminished ability to experience pleasure is called anhedonia, and it is a core symptom of depression. For a very long time, we thought that people with anhedonia have reduced capacity to like, i.e. feel less when they are doing something enjoyable, but recent research has shown that it might not be as simple as that. Continue reading Anhedonia: In search of pleasure
Have you been feeling anxious or depressed lately? It’s okay, 2016 has been tough on all of us. Despite the discomfort that comes with negative emotions, they are a crucial part of our lives. However, when emotions get out of balance, they can lead to some pretty poor decision making. Continue reading When Emotions are misleading: Effects of Anxiety and Depression on Decision Making
Vagus nerve stimulation is a relatively new therapeutic method, but modern medicine has already recognized the potential of this treatment to remedy a growing number of physiological and psychological disorders. Continue reading Let’s talk about nerves, baby! Vagus Nerve Stimulation opens new frontiers in medicine
Brainy Sundays 