A group of researchers studying the roots of depression has developed a test to measure analytical thinking and rumination that are hallmarks of the condition, leading them closer to the idea that depression may actually be an adaptation meant to help people cope with complex problems such as chronic illnesses or marriage breakups.
The researchers at McMaster University and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health were able to show a meaningful connection between answers to their 20-question test and analytical rumination -- a type of distraction-resistant thinking that is characteristic of clinical and sub-clinical depression alike.
"Depression has long been seen as nothing but a problem," says Paul Andrews, an assistant professor of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster. "We are asking whether it may actually be a natural adaptation that the brain uses to tackle certain problems. We are seeing more evidence that depression can be a necessary and beneficial adaptation to dealing with major, complex issues that defy easy understanding."
[For more of this story go to http://www.sciencedaily.com/re.../11/141119125105.htm]
Comments (1)