Title

Breaking Away: The Role of Homeostatic Drive in Perpetuating Depression

Authors

J. Tory Toole, Nova Southeastern University
Mark A. Rice Jr., Nova Southeastern University
Travis J. Craddock, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Barry P. Nierenberg, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Nancy G. Klimas, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Mary Ann Fletcher, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Joel Pinchas Zysman, University of MiamiFollow
Mariana Morris, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Gordon Broderick, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

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Description

We propose that the complexity of regulatory interactions modulating brain neurochemistry and behavior is such that multiple stable responses may be supported, and that some of these alternate regulatory programs may play a role in perpetuating persistent psychological dysfunction. To explore this, we constructed a model network representing major neurotransmission and behavioral mechanisms reported in literature as discrete logic circuits. Connectivity and information flow through this biobehavioral circuitry supported two distinct and stable regulatory programs. One such program perpetuated a depressive state with a characteristic neurochemical signature including low serotonin. Further analysis suggested that small irregularities in glutamate levels may render this pathology more directly accessible. Computer simulations mimicking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy in the presence of everyday stressors predicted recidivism rates similar to those reported clinically and highlighted the potentially significant benefit of concurrent behavioral stress management therapy.

Format

Book Chapter

Book Title

Psychoneuroimmunology: Methods and Protocols

ISBN

978-1493978274

Publication Date

2018

Publisher

Humana Press

City

New York, NY

First Page

121

Last Page

124

Notes

Qing Yan, Editor.

NSUWorks Citation

Toole, J. T., Rice, M. A., Craddock, T. J., Nierenberg, B. P., Klimas, N. G., Fletcher, M. A., Zysman, J. P., Morris, M., Broderick, G. (2018). Breaking Away: The Role of Homeostatic Drive in Perpetuating Depression. Psychoneuroimmunology: Methods and Protocols, 121-124.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facbooks/566