Posted by stjames on December 6, 2003, at 13:18:26
In reply to And what about atypical APs? (nm), posted by Emme on December 6, 2003, at 7:47:37
I know Li increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) & therefor enhances neurogenesis.
I would try googeling on neurogenesis+bipolar or
neurogenesis+antipsychotics. I did a quick search
and it looks good for AC's BUT with AP's considerable damage is being done to neurology
even if pro neurogenesis exists :http://www.upliftprogram.com/special_h3.html#h3
Antidepressants May Protect Against Neuronal Loss in Mood Disorders
According to Dr L Trevor Young, from McMaster University in Ontario, studies have shown that in the rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex, long-term treatment with antidepressants -- including selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors -- increases the expression of several target genes such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and enhances neurogenesis.
Furthermore, long-term treatment with lithium and anticonvulsants increases the expression of several neuroprotectant factors in rodents. There are increasing reports of cell loss, both neuronal and glial, in key cerebral cortex regions in patients with mood disorders. Changes in the size of brain areas such as the hippocampus and amygdala have also been reported.
Postmortem studies suggest that antidepressant treatment may increase BDNF levels in the hippocampus and that lithium treatment may lead to small, but potentially relevant, increases in grey matter volume in patients with bipolar disorder. Dr Young said, "Enthusiasm and excitement about the neuroprotective effects of these psychotropic drugs is warranted, but more evidence is needed before clinicians can use this data to influence practice."
Researchers (especially those funded by the drug companies) are forever looking for new uses for antidepressants as the reality of their lack of effectiveness becomes more widely recognized. However the real point here is that depression, especially when it is due to early childhood trauma, causes a stunted development of certain areas of the brain and mis-wiring in others. Neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons (brain cells), thought impossible only a few years ago, is now seen as the great hope. Professional observers of our Uplift Program believe that the phenomenal success of the program can be explained by its ability to canalize the process of neurogenesis. BM
poster:stjames
thread:287022
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031202/msgs/287152.html