The
author gratefully acknowledges all sources mentioned in this compilation.
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RSD
and Depression
These notes are taken from RSD Websites and medical articles which shed
light on why RSD can lead to depression and information on treatment.
Grateful acknowledgement is given to all sources. The extracts
have been arranged in an order that presents a theoretical explanation
for RSD induced depression. The author has seen the effects first
hand within his own family.
RSD Causes Depression RSD affects the limbic system of the brain. This causes
many problems that might not initially be linked to a disease
like RSD. Chief among them are Depression and short-term
memory problems.
From American RSD Hope
In healthy patients, a sympathetic response to injury occurs, with vasoconstriction
designed to prevent blood loss and swelling. This initial response
soon subsides and gives way to vasodilatation and increased capillary
permeability, allowing tissue repair. In patients with RSD, this
sympathetic response continues unabated. Prolonged ischemia from
the vasoconstriction produces more pain, establishing a reflex
arc that promotes further sympathetic discharge and vasospasm.
This is compounded by the local response to trauma, with liberation
of substantial amounts of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as
histamine and serotonin. The result is a swollen, painful,
stiff, nonfunctioning extremity. From an article by: Don R Revis, Jr, MD,
Consulting Staff, Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine
The brain may signal the release of painkillers found in the
spinal cord, including serotonin.
From Mentalhelp.net
Typically serotonin is concentrated in two specific areas
of the brain, the midbrain and the hypothalamus. These areas are
responsible for regulating mood, hunger, sleep and aggression.
Changes in the concentration of serotonin in these areas are linked
to a variety of mood disorders, particularly depression.
From psychcentral.com
As the RSD pain becomes more severe
and unrelenting, serotonin is impacted and one loses the
ability to have reasoned thoughts. From Canadian Reflex Sympathetic
Dystrophy Network
Serotonin levels are thought to be reduced to below optimal levels
when it is returned (or taken up) too quickly or in too great
a quantity by neurons after the chemical has transmitted an impulse
across a synapse. From American RSD Hope
