Posted by linkadge on September 17, 2006, at 12:41:20
In reply to Re: Nicotine and Depression, posted by SLS on September 17, 2006, at 11:15:39
I agree, its not conlcusive, but the research is suggestive.
The same thing goes with any research though.
Ie. Neurogenesis theory sounds good, based on the finding that blocking the formation of new brain cells blocks the AD effect, but its not conlcusive.We simply need to see more long term double blind studies comparing nicotine to placebo in the treatment of major depression. There aren't a whole lot, but they are what would make or break the case.
You can say, well its not an antidepressant its just a euphoriant etc. etc. But there are really no rules. Just because a substance causes mild euphoria doesn't mean it is devoid of other effects which could be at the heart of affective disorders. Caffiene causes some euphoria, but otoh we know that coffee statiscially reduces the risk of suicide. Thats signficant.
Its easy to just form black and white opinions about certain substances, and then lump them into good and bad boxes.
We put marajuanna into the bad box because it causes a little euphoria, but again, that does not mean it is devoid of theraputic effect. Ie HPA axis reulation, promotion of neurogenes etc etc.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:686441
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060909/msgs/686812.html