Spirituality And Religion May Protect Against Major Depression By Thickening Brain Cortex
A thickening of the brain cortex associated with regular meditation or other spiritual or religious practice could be the reason those activities guard against depression – particularly in people who are predisposed to the disease, according to new research led by Lisa Miller, professor and director of Clinical Psychology and director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Credit: Teachers College, Columbia University
Although more research is necessary, the results suggest that spirituality or religion may protect against major depression by thickening the brain cortex and counteracting the cortical thinning that would normally occur with major depression. The study, published on Dec. 25, 2013, is the first published investigation on the neuro-correlates of the protective effect of spirituality and religion against depression.
“The new study links this extremely large protective benefit of spirituality or religion to previous studies which identified large expanses of cortical thinning in specific regions of the brain in adult offspring of families at high risk for major depression,” Miller said.
Previous studies by Miller and the team published in theAmerican Journal of Psychiatry (2012) showed a 90 percent decrease in major depression in adults who said they highly valued spirituality or religiosity and whose parents suffered from the disease. While regular attendance at church was not necessary, a strong personal importance placed on spirituality or religion was most protective against major depression in people who were at high familial risk.
Miller is also affiliated with the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. Her co-authors were Ravi Bensal at the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI); Priya Wickramaratne at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia and NYSPI; Xuejun Hao and Bradley S. Peterson, M.D. at the College of Physicians and Surgeons and NYSPI; Craig E. Tenke at NYSPI; and Myrna M. Weissman at the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Contacts and sources:
Lisa Miller
Teachers College, Columbia University
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Whistler Blowers, Insiders
Knowing firsthand, it’s very true that having salvation and a right relationship with the Lord relieves what would be, otherwise, a restless conscience, and this restlessness very much evident in many non-believers. It can’t but be a better, healthier state to have peace, both mentally and spiritually. I highly recommend Jesus Christ!
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Philippians 4
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Prayer or meditation can improve human aura.
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