What goes on the inside of a depressed person?

Depression is commonly faced by many people worldwide today. Is there a biological basis for these intense feelings of sadness? Depression is often described as a 'chemical imbalance' in the brain. Specifically, scientists believed that the neurotransmitter,serotonin which is often referred to as the 'feel good' chemical is to be blamed. The brain cell growth and neuro connections may actually play a larger role in causing depression. The hippocampus in the brain of a depressed person may tend to be much smaller than the average. Other regions of the brain may also be affected but hippocampus,in particular,controls memory and emotions,the longer the person has been depressed,the smaller the hippocampus may become. The neurons may literally deteriorate. 

Stress may actually be a main trigger in the decrease of neurons. When the hippocampus is regenerated and new neurons are stimulated,the mood improves.

Many modern drugs,including those which affect serotonin levels,have an indirect effect on the growth of neurons. This is likely why serotonin - based drugs seem to help some patients by releasing other chemicals which ultimately stimulate neurogenesis (growth of new neurons). Now the main focus should be on drugs which directly affect neurogenesis. While neurons and chemicals may be the direct influencers,many genetic factors may be the reason too.

A variation in the serotonin transporter gene may leave individuals more vulnerable to depression. Every individual has two copies of the gene - one from each parent. This gene can be either short or long. It's important that depression is a disease with a biological basis along with psychological and social implications. It's not simply a weakness that someone should 'get over'. Just like a heart disease or cancer,shedding light onto depression is of utmost importance.