2016 - 19th Annual Steven Galovich Memorial Student Symposium
Presentation Title
Contagious Depression: A social transmission hypothesis
Location
Library First Floor
Abstract
Developing a new hypothesis for the pathophysiological mechanism of depression is necessary to further understanding of the disease. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that depression is contagious. I predicted that naïve rats cross-housed with rats subjected to social defeat would develop depressive-like behaviors similar to their cage mates. In addition, BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) expression between the two groups should be parallel in brain areas implicated in depression. It is imperative to explore new avenues of research and strive to develop more effective and scientifically informed treatment options for those who suffer from depression.
Presentation Type
Individual Presentation
Start Date
4-5-2016 2:30 PM
End Date
4-5-2016 3:45 PM
Panel
Trauma Studies of the Brain and Body
Panel Moderator
Siobhan Moroney
Field of Study for Presentation
Neuroscience
Contagious Depression: A social transmission hypothesis
Library First Floor
Developing a new hypothesis for the pathophysiological mechanism of depression is necessary to further understanding of the disease. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that depression is contagious. I predicted that naïve rats cross-housed with rats subjected to social defeat would develop depressive-like behaviors similar to their cage mates. In addition, BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) expression between the two groups should be parallel in brain areas implicated in depression. It is imperative to explore new avenues of research and strive to develop more effective and scientifically informed treatment options for those who suffer from depression.