Latest

SSRIs

·May 31, 2024·3 min read

SSRIs Reveal New Potential Beyond Depression Treatment

A new study uncovers a key biological process targeted by SSRIs, suggesting new clinical applications. The study found that SSRIs affect membrane trafficking in cells, which might explain their broader effects. Remarkably, a single dose of fluvoxamine in mice enabled drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier. This discovery could lead to SSRIs aiding in the delivery of drugs for conditions like dementia.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 16, 2024·3 min read

Antidepressants Impact Brain Development

Using antidepressants during pregnancy, specifically fluoxetine (found in Prozac and Sarafem), can significantly affect a child's brain development, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, potentially increasing the risk of mental health disorders later in life. The research highlights how serotonin, boosted by fluoxetine, directly impacts the development of synaptic connections in the prefrontal cortex, a critical area for high-order cognitive functions.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 29, 2023·6 min read

Treating Mom’s Postnatal Depression with SSRIs Also Boosts Child Behavior

A new study found that treating postnatal depression with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) benefits not just mothers but also their children. The study, which analyzed data from over 61,000 mothers and their children, shows that SSRI treatment led to better outcomes up to five years after childbirth.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 23, 2023·5 min read

Study Explains Emotional ‘Blunting’ Caused by Common Antidepressants

SSRI antidepressants can make users less sensitive to rewards, resulting in emotional blunting many users experience. The findings provide new evidence for the role serotonin plays in reinforcement learning.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 18, 2023·4 min read

How Serotonin Genes and SSRIs Can Contribute to Heart Valve Disease

Taking SSRIs and having the "long-long" serotonin SERT genetic variant lowers SERT activity in the mitral valve, leading to degenerative mitral regurgitation, one of the most common heart valve diseases.

This shows an outline of a mouse's head with the brain areas highlighted

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·December 28, 2022·4 min read

Good and Bad Feelings for Brain Stem Serotonin

A newly identified serotonin pathway that originates from the median raphe nucleus acts in opposition to the reward/aversion pathway in the nearby dorsal raphe nucleus. The findings could pave the way for the development of new treatments for major depression, addiction, and other disorders associated with serotonin.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 16, 2022·5 min read

Inflammation May Explain Antidepressants’ Link to Preterm Birth

The common antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine) provokes an inflammatory response in the amniotic sac. The findings may reveal the underlying factor of why women who take SSRI antidepressants are at higher risk of preterm birth.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 15, 2022·11 min read

How Do SSRIs Like Prozac, Lexapro Really Work? Ask a Fruit Fly

Researchers shed light on how different SSRI antidepressants may work to help fight symptoms of depression in the brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 9, 2022·7 min read

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Is as Effective as an Antidepressant Drug for Treating Anxiety Disorders

Study reveals mindfulness-based stress reduction methods proved to be as effective as antidepressants for relieving symptoms for those with anxiety disorders.

This shows a sad woman sitting on a beach

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 5, 2022·4 min read

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Examining the Psychological Symptoms

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe mood disorder that affects one in twenty women. PMDD can have a debilitating impact on the lives of sufferers. Researchers investigate PMDD and evaluate treatment options for sufferers.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 23, 2022·4 min read

SSRIs and CBT Lead to Changes in Brain

Effective neurochemical changes in the brain of those with social anxiety take different forms after SSRI treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 23, 2022·5 min read

As Science Searches for Answers on Depression, What Should Patients Do Today?

Researchers critique the latest findings on serotonin's role in depression and report people should maintain their current therapies to help control their symptoms of depression.