Researchers may have found an 'antidepressant roadblock'

Conclusion This experimental study in rat brain cells investigated the delay in the action of antidepressants. This research hopes to aid the development of faster-acting treatments in the future. It is thought antidepressants work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, in the brain – chemicals that can improve mood and emotion. The researchers' experiments in rats found antidepressants seem to lead to a gradual redistribution of Gα proteins to the lipid membrane of the brain cells, which in turn affects signalling processes. However, this is a slow process that seems to depend on the dose of antidepressant and the duration of exposure. The delay in antidepressant action is not fully understood. This research helps take us one step closer to understanding this, and hopefully from this developing faster-acting treatments. But this was an early-stage experiment in rats. We don't know that this provides the whole answer, and findings would need to be confirmed in a human study. While these findings may guide future drug research, it is far too early to assess how long they will take to come to fruition (or if at all). While antidepressants can treat the symptoms of depression, the cause is not always addressed. Cognitive or behavioural therapies are often considered to be a first-line option for depression, or combined with drug treatment to try to give the best response. If you're concerned that your symptoms of depression are failing to respon...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Mental health Medication Neurology Source Type: news