Individuals with stronger depressive symptoms and those who experienced stressful life events tend to show alterations in volume of the nucleus acumbens, according to new research. Additional changes in the volume and functional connectivity of specific brain regions were also observed. The study was published in Psychological Medicine. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. Symptoms can also include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and difficulty concentr…