Neuroplasticity: Pathophysiology and Role in Major Depressive Disorder.
Critical reviews in oncogenesis January 1, 2024 Sreeharshini Kadiyala, Priyamvada Bhamidipati, Rama Rao Malla
Neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to change in response to internal and external factors—underlies all brain functions and involves structural and molecular changes like region growth and synaptic alterations. Its four types (homologous area adaption, compensatory masquerade, cross-modal reassignment, map expansion) help the brain compensate for injury or new information. Impaired neuroplasticity contributes to mental illnesses, and those illnesses further damage synaptic plasticity. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental illness that both affects and accelerates neuroplasticity impairment, characterized by chronic depressed mood disrupting daily life. This review examines the physiological aspects of MDD, neuroplasticity's role in its pathogenesis, and how monoamine regulation and ketamine uptake may produce antidepressant effects.