VeryWellMind: Study Finds Interesting Link Between Inflammatory Responses and Depression

"A new study, published in Psychological Science, found that people who experience high inflammatory reactivity to socially stressful situations are more likely to develop depressive symptoms.

One theory (The Social Signal Transduction Theory of Depression) suggests that those whose bodies mount an exaggerated inflammatory response to a conflict or other social stressor are most at risk for developing depression over time, especially in the face of frequent or recurring stress.

A Closer Look at the Research

Madison and her colleagues analyzed data from two studies that included a social stressor and also included assessments of depressive symptoms and inflammatory biomarkers.

In the first study, 43 physically healthy couples gave a blood sample before taking part in a combative 20-minute problem-solving discussion with their partner. After the conflict (90 minutes later and 300 minutes later), two additional blood samples were taken.

The researchers found that those who reported more frequent interpersonal conflict had more intense depressive symptoms one month later, but only if they experienced greater inflammatory reactivity to the conflict.

The researchers found that participants who experienced more loneliness and felt less socially supported typically had heightened depressive symptoms one year after the test. This was particularly true among those with higher inflammatory reactivity.

Reducing Depression Risk

“In particular, the timing, duration, and severity of interpersonal stress likely matter and are deserving of further research in relation to depression onset,” Madison says. “This research is important because then we can start identifying those at risk for depression and proactively take steps to reduce the risk when possible. Also, identifying these underlying physiological mechanisms, such as inflammation, will ultimately help us to treat depression more effectively.”

Marriage and family therapist, speaker, and yoga and meditation guide Claudia de Llano recommends mindfulness meditation as a way of stilling the mind.

This can take many forms, from a conscious walk or activity where you begin to tune into sights, sounds, smells, and sensations, to chanting, sound healing, music, yoga, or breathing exercises."

Read the full article here!

Reflection:

What are some of the mindfulness practices you partake in?

#Depression #Inflammation #Mindfulness