Neuroplasticity in psychiatric disorders
Neuroplasticiteit bij psychiatrische stoornissen
One of the most fascinating properties of the brain is its ability to adapt. This so-called neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s capacity to change its structure and function in response to experiences, learning, or brain injury. Neuroplasticity is important for the development of cognition, emotion, and behavior throughout both childhood and adulthood.
This thesis of Jesca Jager focuses on how this ability of the brain to change plays a role in psychiatric disorders. In the first part, we investigate neuroplasticity in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder and healthy siblings. We show that individuals with this condition have fewer synapses—the connection points between brain cells. In siblings, there are indications that the brain may adapt to partially compensate for this, which might prevent them from developing the disorder.
The second part focuses on depression and treatments such as conventional antidepressant, electroconvulsive therapy, and ketamine. We show that these treatments partly work through similar changes in the brain, but each also have its own distinct effects. Some of these changes are associated with improvement of symptoms, while others may explain side effects.
Together, the findings demonstrate that the adult brain is constantly changing and adapting. Although significant changes in brain wiring can cause temporary memory loss, they also create the potential to form new neural connections that benefit mental well-being.