Brain Function, Prediction, and Depression: Key Concepts in Neuroscience and Mental Health

What is the primary purpose of the brain?

to regulate the body to keep it alive and in balance.

How does the brain function as a prediction machine?

creates a 'body budget' by forecasting and preparing the body's systems based on past experiences.

What is the brain's core function?

is to manage the body's internal systems, such as the immune, metabolic, and autonomic systems.

Does the brain react to the world or predict what will happen?

continuously predicts what will happen next and prepares the body accordingly.

What are emotions according to Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett?

the brain's best guess at what is happening in the body and the world based on its predictions.

How does the brain save energy?

By predicting and preparing, the brain saves energy, using past experiences to make efficient guesses.

How does the brain construct reality?

combining incoming sensory signals with past experiences and existing knowledge.

What is depression according to this perspective?

a metabolic disorder, described as a 'bankrupt body budget,' where the body lacks metabolic resources.

What causes the body to cut back on energy expenditure in depression?

results from a deficit in the body's energy regulation system, worsened by inflammation, lack of sleep, or poor diet.

What do antidepressants do for individuals with depression?

help regulate the brain's affect network and restore balance by altering affective and visceral sensations.

What are the symptoms of depression?

fatigue, distress, distorted brain predictions, negative interpretation of sensations, systemic inflammation, lack of sleep, and poor diet.

What types of antidepressants are there?

First-generation: TCAs, MAOIs; Second-generation: SSRIs, SNRIs; Third-generation: atypical antidepressants.

How do antidepressants work at the synaptic level?

They regulate neurotransmitter activity, influencing serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine systems.

What are common side effects of antidepressants?

nausea, weight gain, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and fatigue.

Are antidepressants considered addictive?

not considered addictive, but abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

What is the role of systemic inflammation in depression?

can exacerbate depression and contribute to the body's energy regulation deficit.

How does lack of sleep affect depression?

worsens the body's energy regulation, contributing to depressive symptoms.

What is the impact of poor diet on depression?

can exacerbate the body's energy regulation deficit, worsening depressive symptoms.