Depression - Is it a Chemical Thing?

The term "neurotransmitter" is almost commonplace in today's society. I wonder what this means? Ten years ago the term was not as commonly heard. Recalling conversations from the 80's and 90's lent to the idea that depression was mostly circumstantial and could be resolved with some behavioral therapy. Many things have been discovered since then.

Most of us have heard the term neurotransmitters and many have acquired an understanding of it. Unfortunately, many have not. One may hear this term an immediately think about electronic technology. Of course this is understandable in today's techno world. But what does it really mean? For those who have or still are suffering from depression, the answer could be very revealing.

Now that definition sounds highly technical but the important part to remember is that these are "chemical substances". These so called chemical substances are messengers that carry messages between nerve cells in our bodies. Here is how it works:

• There is a cell called the axon- its technical reference is "presynaptic". Serotonin molecules are released from the ends of these cells. Serotonin molecules are the chemical transmitters- sort of like little bits of data in chemical form created in our brains by a bio-chemical process.

• There is another cell. It is a "dendrite" cell. The dendrite cell's technical reference is "postsynaptic". These cells are called "neurons".

• There is a gap between these two cells. It is called "the synapse". The molecules of serotonin move our thoughts across these gaps from the "pre" to the "post" synaptic cells. This is how the "chemical messages" are transported along our body's amazingly complex- and never been duplicated- nervous system.

• These chemical messages are received by the dendrite cells and then reprocessed.

What is fascinating about the whole serotonin process is that it is the "physical substance" of thought. A thought is created in our minds (by some amazing and mystical process) and our bodies transform it into physical matter in the form of a chemical called serotonin. That is simply amazing!

And yet it is all too clear to those who suffer from depression and those who love someone who suffers from depression that several things may potentially go awry in this process. These can lead to a deficit in serotonin.

Herb likes to learn about medical issues. Please check out his website that contains wooden floor lamp information as well as designer floor lamps information.