«There may be so much internal communication that the brain becomes preoccupied with itself, less able to process information coming in from the outside world,» he says, noting that studies have found that people with depression have
heightened connectivity among brain networks
involved in paying attention, monitoring internal and external cues, remembering the past, and controlling
emotions.
This results in a
heightened chronic stress response that may affect many systems of the brain and body, especially those
involved with
emotion, sensory perception and cognitive function.