The Inflamed Mind Summary:
The Inflamed Mind looks at the latest research between depression, along with other serious conditions and inflammation of the body and brain. A new way to examine these links by combining insights from the fields of medicine, psychology and evolutionary theory.
The Inflamed Mind Book Summary Notes:
- What is depression and what causes it? New studies are examining the link between the origins of depression and its influences on both the brain, body and immune system. How do they all interrelate in this disease?
- Physical illness can also lead to states like depression. One of the reasons being examined is its relation to inflammation.
- Its usually quite normal to feel a bit down and out while battling sicknesses like the cold. By staying inside, warm and hydrated we allow our bodies the time and excess energy needed to help fight off the illness.
- Science is beginning to examine whether the lethargy associated with being sick is a by-product of the illness or whether our own immune systems do it to us. If it is our own immune systems lending a hand in this feeling then perhaps there could be a link between issues such as depression and the immune system.
Macrophages and Lymphocytes
- The human immune system has many important parts, some of which include Macrophages and Lymphocytes.
- Macrophages are cells whose job it is to destroy antigens by consuming them. Once consumed the Macrophage can break it down and basically learn what it is that is attacking the body.
- Afterward, the Macrophage will come into contact with a lymph node and transmit the data it has acquired about the Antigen with the Lymphocytes.
- Lymphocytes then can organize the bodies immune response to the Antigen and possibly even cause Antibodies to produce if needed.
- The Antibodies that are produced travel through the body and attach to the invading Antigen particles which make it easier for the Macrophages to identify and eliminate them.
Mind Body Connection
- Modern medicine will often draw hard lines between treating the physical signs and symptoms of a condition and examining underlying mental health issues.
- The two distinct fields of psychology and traditional medicine rarely talk to each other, treating both sides of the patient as if they were entirely separate issues.
- In the 90’s we invented Prozac to help with the treatment of Depression. Since then, no significant advances have been made in the field.
- Initially used for the treatment of tuberculosis in world war 2, it was also found that administering the drug caused the patient to become far happier.
- Later it was discovered that along with killing TB bacteria it also boosted some neurotransmitters. This is what is believed to be the reason it helps with depression.
- They still remain used today, although are only effective for some of the population and long term use presents its own issues and side effects.
Causes of Inflammation
- Age, Autoimmune disorders, Obesity, and Stress all contribute to inflammation in the body.
- While aging is inevitable, Obesity and Stress are enhanced through our modern lifestyle choices. Fast food, sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical exercise.
- As high as 80% of the episodes of depression are thought to be triggered by a significantly stressful event in a person’s life. Usually the loss of a loved one.
