I have a long fascination with technology, especially in Artificial Intelligence (AI). So, when Microsoft offered me the chance to try out the Edge browser with Generative Pre-Trained Transformer better known as Chatgpt embedded I gave it quick spin. My first question for it was simple: What effect does depression have on the brain?

This was its unedited answer.

Depression can have various effects on the brain, both physically and functionally. According to the search results, some of the effects are:

• Brain shrinkage: Depression can cause the brain to lose volume, especially in areas related to memory, learning, and emotion, such as the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex¹².
• Inflammation: Depression can trigger an inflammatory response in the brain, which can impair its function and increase the risk of other diseases¹.
• Oxygen loss: Depression can reduce the blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, which can damage the brain cells and affect their communication¹².
• Functional impairment: Depression can affect the brain’s ability to perform various tasks, such as attention, mood, memory, executive function, emotional regulation, and more³².

Depression is a serious condition that can have lasting consequences on the brain. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, please seek professional help as soon as possible.

My favourite part of it is the inclusion of the citation links, so helpful for research especially now that I have my acceptance in Loughborough University.

What are your thoughts.