Higher brain regions involved in depression

The term 'Higher brain regions involved in depression' refers to a distributed network of neuroanatomical structures that mediate emotional and cognitive processes. Key components include the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which governs executive function and top-down emotional regulation, and the hippocampus, which is essential for memory and stress feedback. Other critical areas include the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the amygdala, which process emotional salience and fear responses. In Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), these regions often exhibit structural atrophy, such as reduced dendritic branching and hippocampal volume, as well as functional dysregulation in synaptic connectivity. While these regions are the anatomical sites of depressive pathology, they do not constitute a single molecular target; instead, they contain numerous receptors and transporters (e.g., 5-HT receptors, NMDA receptors) that are the actual molecular targets for antidepressants and rapid-acting agents like ketamine.

Other names

Depression-related brain circuitsLimbic-cortical dysregulation white matterPrefrontal-limbic networkCortico-limbic system

Pharmacological agents modulate neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate) within these regions to restore synaptic plasticity, enhance connectivity, and normalize circuit activity involved in mood regulation.