A study presented at the European College for Neuropsychopharmacology Congress in Vienna, Austria, showed that depression treatments could rewire the human brain. 

The researchers investigated 55 healthy controls and 109 individuals with severe depression. Their brains were examined using an MRI scanner configured to determine the level of connections within the brain by determining which brain regions were in communication with one another.

Following this, the patients received treatment for depression, some of which included electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), some of which included counselling or medication, and some of which included a combination of all three. After the procedure, they were rescanned, and the number of connections was recorded. They conducted another examination to look for indicators of depression.

Results showed that inpatient therapy for depression could enhance brain connections. Researchers discovered that patients with good anti-depression therapy responses displayed a more significant increase in connection than patients with poor treatment responses. Treatments for depression alter the structure of the brain. These results align with the current theory that the brain is far more adaptable over time than was previously believed.

Experts stated that the study offers hope to patients who think their condition will never improve and must live with it forever.

(Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/health/depression-treatment-can-rewire-human-brain-study-shows-442803)