Does reduced pupillary response indicate depression?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been feeling down (not happy about anything). Even the stuff I used to love does not excite me. I read somewhere about how reduced pupillary response to rewards might be a thing in depression. Can you tell me more about that and how it connects with feeling low? Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

From the description of the problem, it seems that you are more concerned with the signs and symptoms of depression rather than the problem you are facing. I would genuinely suggest you go for the treatment of the problem rather than go into medical literature concerned with the signs and symptoms of depression.

But I am still informing you briefly about this sign and its relation to depression, as you have mentioned in your query. This is one of the signs and symptoms of depression (which also includes feeling low). It depicts lower activation in the locus coeruleus, a very important structure in the brain, and is related to depression. I am of the opinion that this should be enough for you.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.