How the immune system affects depression; what scientists are doing to fix it

Scientists have uncovered a key link between depression and inflammation, and they’re finding they can treat both in one fell swoop. Research shows that around one-third of depressed patients suffers from high levels of inflammation and that it’s not just a mere coincidence, but rather the immune system altering the brain. To test this link, scientists gave anti-inflammatory drugs to patients suffering from both symptoms. They found that not only were the patients feeling happier but that there were remarkable changes occurring in the neurochemical circuitry in the brain. This discovery has led scientists to test different treatments on people who have overworked immune systems, and so far, the results have been positive. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide 350 million people suffer from depression. READ MORE