Duration of depression may influence how severely the disease alters the brain

MedicalXpress | mai 21, 2026

Depression affects about 5.8% of the Brazilian population and presents a wide range of symptoms, intensities, and durations. A study published in Scientific Reports involving patients with major depressive disorder demonstrated that the severity of symptoms, as measured by the Hamilton Depression Scale, and the length of time a person remains depressed (chronicity), are both associated with changes in brain function.