Dopamine production is greatly increased in mothers close to their babies. This finding could influence the prevention of depression.
Prevent depression through social interactions. This is the approach proposed by a team from Northeastern University (United States). She has just demonstrated, in PNAS, that affiliate relationships strongly influence dopamine production. This neurotransmitter has a wide field of action, from the production of breast milk to addictions. Too low levels in the brain promote certain diseases – including depression.
Until now, the impact of dopamine in the formation of the bond between a mother and her child was not known. It is thanks to the brain analysis of 19 young mothers that this discovery was made. For this, the researchers relied on a machine capable of simultaneously carrying out two types of brain imaging: functional MRI and PET-scan. These techniques make it possible to observe the activity of the brain in real time and the variations of certain neurotransmitters.
A crucial link
Before the experiment, the volunteers were filmed interacting with their babies. Then each toddler was in turn filmed playing alone. From these results, the team assessed the degree of “synchronization” between the two stakeholders. Once in the imaging machine, the women viewed two types of videos: either their offspring alone or another young child.
In mothers who are most in sync with their infants, researchers have observed an increase in dopamine levels in the brain as soon as they are exposed to images of it. The conclusion is simple: this parentage strongly stimulates the production of the neurotransmitter, which involves the reward circuits.
This is where depression kicks in. In people who suffer from it, dopamine production is reduced. “We already knew that people manage their disease better when they have a strong social network,” says Lisa Feldman Barrett, co-author of the study. Our research suggests that taking care of others, not just being the center of attention, can increase dopamine levels. “
Act as soon as possible
The potential applications are wide. The prevention of postpartum depression, social disorders, the treatment of addictions could be improved by this discovery. But for Lisa Feldman Barrett, these results should especially alert to the fact that mental health is played out very early.
“The brain of a newborn baby is very different from the mature adult brain; it is not fully formed, ”explains the researcher. The attention paid to the baby and the quality of care are all factors that will influence his normal development. “If we are to invest intelligently in the health of our country, we should focus our efforts on infants and children, eradicating all barriers to their brain development,” she concludes.
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