Childhood Depressions Lead to Smaller Brain

US scientists conducted a study involving a group of preschoolers and concluded that childhood depression leads to irreversible changes in the brain. This is due to the kids’ constant feeling of guilt.

A group of researchers from Washington found adverse effects of depression on the child’s body. For eight years, the researchers had been observing 149 children aged 3 to 6 years. As a result, it was found that a third of them constantly felt guilt that would develop into clinical depression over time.

It was also found that the volume of the brain became less in depressed children. The reduction was detected due to the results of the MRI scan. The decreased part of the brain was called insula; it is responsible for emotions in children.

With age, these children are about 20% more likely to suffer from depression. Scientists believe that the results of their research should draw attention to the parenting practices. A child who is constantly faced with a sense of shame, feels pressure or is dissatisfied with himself/herself can face serious problems in the future. Experiencing depression in preschool age not only reduces the volume of the brain, but it also leads a person to early aging due to constant melancholy.