👉 Depression engineering refers to the deliberate manipulation of environmental, social, and biological factors to induce or exacerbate depressive symptoms in individuals. This can involve altering living conditions, such as reducing social support, increasing isolation, or exposing individuals to chronic stress and trauma. Neurobiologically, it may target the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to dysregulation of stress hormones like cortisol. Additionally, depression engineering can exploit genetic predispositions by influencing neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for mood regulation. By understanding these mechanisms, researchers and clinicians aim to develop targeted interventions to mitigate or reverse depressive states, often through behavioral therapies, pharmacological treatments, or novel neurobiological approaches.
