Posted by joema on June 25, 2001, at 21:00:13
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob -- Can antidepressants cure permanently?, posted by PaulB on June 23, 2001, at 5:19:10
Recent research indicates an interesting theory for antidepressant method of action: Most ADs, even ECT and physical exercise, all funnel into a "final common path", which stimulates a protein called BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor). This in turn spurs growth in neuron dendritic spines over a several week period. The additional synaptic connections thus generated account for the AD effect.
Some of this work is being done at Duke University. There was a good article summarizing this in April 1999 Psychology Today called "Depression: Beyond Serotonin". I don't like this mag, but this article was really good.
Maybe if this theory proves true, we'll finally understand how ADs work. If so it's possible new ADs could be developed that directly spur BDNF, bypassing side effects of current ADs.
-- joema
poster:joema
thread:67520
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010625/msgs/67878.html