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Depression

Frequently Asked Questions

4. Is depression a disorder of the brain?

PET scans showing the effects of treatment on depression. - Click to enlarge in new window.
Click to enlarge image

Imaging technologies show that the brains of people with depression look different than those who do not have the illness. The areas of the brain that control moods, thinking, sleep, appetite, and behavior appear not to be functioning well, and important brain chemicals are out of balance. But these images do not reveal WHY the depression has occurred.