Yes, certain mental illnesses may potentially cause damage to the brain, according to available information.
Based on the provided reference, depression is one example of a mental illness that can lead to changes in the brain. Specifically:
How Depression Might Impact Brain Structure
Depression is associated with the release of a type of steroid called glucocorticoid in the brain. Glucocorticoids, when released in this context, can damage specific areas of the central nervous system.
Key areas that may be affected include:
- The hippocampus: This brain region is crucial for memory formation and retrieval.
- Other areas of the central nervous system: The reference indicates that damage isn't limited just to the hippocampus.
Potential Symptoms of Brain Changes
When this damage occurs due to the release of glucocorticoids in depression, individuals may experience symptoms that are often associated with neurocognitive disorder, sometimes referred to as dementia.
These symptoms can include:
- Memory loss
- Other cognitive difficulties
Therefore, while not all mental illnesses cause brain damage, the reference specifically highlights how depression may lead to damage in the hippocampus and other areas through the action of glucocorticoids, resulting in cognitive symptoms like memory loss.
