BACKGROUND: No satisfactory basis in normal function characterizes major depression and its co-morbid disorders. Yet these may represent maladaptive expression of adaptive communicational states exhibited normally in many species. METHODS: We examined the signal value of depressive and anxious mood states, fatigue syndrome and somatoform disorders and found them to resemble appeasement or submission to conspecifics (members of a same species) as studied in other animals. Moreover, applying game theory formulations of conflict resolution and the triune brain theory of MacLean supported the hypothesis. LIMITATIONS: Direct experimental evidence must still test hypotheses that emanate from the presented framework. CONCLUSIONS: Implications for this approach include improved understanding and treatment of depression, improved research strategies, and a potential future pathogenesis-focused nosology.
BACKGROUND: No satisfactory basis in normal function characterizes major depression and its co-morbid disorders. Yet these may represent maladaptive expression of adaptive communicational states exhibited normally in many species. METHODS: We examined the signal value of depressive and anxious mood states, fatigue syndrome and somatoform disorders and found them to resemble appeasement or submission to conspecifics (members of a same species) as studied in other animals. Moreover, applying game theory formulations of conflict resolution and the triune brain theory of MacLean supported the hypothesis. LIMITATIONS: Direct experimental evidence must still test hypotheses that emanate from the presented framework. CONCLUSIONS: Implications for this approach include improved understanding and treatment of depression, improved research strategies, and a potential future pathogenesis-focused nosology.
Authors: Jonathan Stieglitz; Benjamin C Trumble; Melissa Emery Thompson; Aaron D Blackwell; Hillard Kaplan; Michael Gurven Journal: Brain Behav Immun Date: 2015-06-01 Impact factor: 7.217
Authors: Alexandre J S Morin; A Katrin Arens; Christophe Maïano; Joseph Ciarrochi; Danielle Tracey; Philip D Parker; Rhonda G Craven Journal: J Youth Adolesc Date: 2016-09-23
Authors: Kristine Coleman; Nicola D Robertson; Gregory A Dissen; Martha D Neuringer; L Drew Martin; Verginia C Cuzon Carlson; Christopher Kroenke; Damien Fair; Ansgar M Brambrink Journal: Anesthesiology Date: 2017-01 Impact factor: 7.892