Inflammation and depression

Q2

Does inflammation occur in the brain during depression?

[Answer]

The idea of a connection between depression and inflammation—the body’s response to injury, illness or stress—has been a growing area of research interest.

This PET scan shows the first compelling evidence of brain inflammation in major depression. Using a chemical brain probe developed at CAMH, researchers measured translocator protein density, which is a marker for inflammation. They found that this marker was 30 per cent higher in all brain regions examined among people experiencing a major depressive episode, compared to people with no depression.

Source: Dr. Jeffrey Meyer, Dr. Elaine Setiawan