Faulty immune system causes depression: Study

LondonDepression is a physical illness caused by a faulty immune system that may be treated using anti-inflammatory drugs, scientists say. Current treatments for depression focus on restoring serotonin and other mood-boosting chemicals in the brain.

However, researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK have found that an overactive immune system triggers inflammation throughout the entire body, sparking feelings of hopelessness, unhappiness and fatigue. It may be a symptom of the immune system failing to switch off after a trauma or illness, and is a similar to the low mood people often experienced when they are fighting a virus, like flu.

Recent studies and clinical trials have shown that treating inflammation seems to alleviate depression,researchers said. It is pretty clear that inflammation can cause depression, said Ed Bullmore, professor at University of Cambridge. In relation to mood, beyond reasonable doubt, there is a very robust association between inflammation and depressive symptoms, Bullmore said.

Scientists at Cambridge and the Wellcome Trust are hoping to begin trials next year to test whether anti-inflammatory drugs could switch off depression. The immune system triggers an inflammatory response when it feels it is under threat, sparking wide-ranging changes in the body such as increasing red blood cells, in anticipation that it may need to heal a wound soon. Scientists believe that associated depression may have brought an evolutionary benefit to our ancestors. If an ill or wounded tribal member became depressed and withdrawn it would prevent a disease being passed on.

Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now

NC Committee On Reservation At Work, However, Will Abide By Court’s Decision: CM Omar

Delhi Police Arrests Kupwara Resident Wanted In Fraud Cases

Be Part of Quality Journalism

Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast.

ACT NOW