Interesting stuff with regards to depression

I was reading last week's Economist over dinner tonight, because I'm a dork who lives alone, and came across a fascinating article on depression. Apparently, a strain of bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae was injected into lung cancer patients who subsequently reported not only fewer symptoms of the cancer, but also an improved state of emotional health and cognitive function. Upon further laboratory research on mice, it was found that the bacteria increased serotonin levels in the limbic system. This observation is significant for reasons that are twofold: 1. It points to the possibility of a vaccine for depression (a prospect that yours truly finds a bit scary, but, ya know, it combines my fears of doctors, needles, and messing with my mind), and 2. It suggests that a biological factor towards depression lies in the ultra-hygienic landscape that also weakens immune systems.

As anyone who has experienced depression knows, one falls into a sort of loop of negative thoughts and emotions. While in such a loop a few months ago, Patrick looked at me and said, "Depression is a disease, Beth, and like any other disease, it has survival tactics." In my state at the time, it seemed like a fairly astute observation, and is something that I bear in mind every time I feel myself in danger of falling into such a cycle again. I am glad to see more research being done into the biological origins of such disorders, as I strongly believe that psychology is, as a field, a bit disjointed in its relationship with the hard sciences.