Posted by Ted Brosnan on October 8, 2004, at 18:43:51
In reply to risperdal BDNF decrease and olanzapine BDNF increa, posted by linkadge on October 8, 2004, at 16:56:24
Decreased Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) correlates with depression. BDNF acts as regenerative force in the brain and helps maintaining optimal brain functioning. Dysfunctional BDNF is one factor hypothesized to contribute to decreased hippocampus volume found in long term stress states and depressive states. I have no knowledge whether risperdal can induce depression. But from what you're saying it can theoretically do just that. I have read about some studies that indicate that Zyprexa has an antidepressive effect and I never encountered a study that indicates the same for Risperdal.
Enhanced BDNF (which is in fact controlled by neuropeptides) is hypothesized to have an anti depressive effect. Researchers believe that physical exercise can help depression by breaking the circle between stress hormones and decreased BDNF by actively enhancing the latter. Thus compining any depression treatment with physical exercise can turn out to be extremely helpful. Exercise is associated with down regulation (optimization/sensitization) of some types of 5HT (serotonin) recepors associated with mood and anxiety. Exercise is found to lead to better expression of the dopamine d3 receptor type which is linked to anhedonia. Furthermore it improves the overall synthesizing of chemicals in the brain (including the monoamines), it improves circulation and enhances BDNF. Done regulary at least 3 times a week for about 30 minutes it can be prove to be a powerful antidepressant without any drug intervention and without any side effects. It can be difficult at first but persistence is the key.
poster:Ted Brosnan
thread:400502
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041007/msgs/400566.html