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July 08, 2008

depression and the dying brain

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In recent years, scientists have developed a novel theory of what falters in the depressed brain. Instead of seeing the disease as the result of a chemical imbalance, these researchers argue that the brain's cells are shrinking and dying. This theory has gained momentum in the past few months, with the publication of several high profile scientific papers. The effectiveness of Prozac, these scientists say, has little to do with the amount of serotonin in the brain. Rather, the drug works because it helps heal our neurons, allowing them to grow and thrive again.

In this sense, Prozac is simply a bottled version of other activities that have a similar effect, such as physical exercise. They aren't happy pills, but healing pills.

These discoveries are causing scientists to fundamentally reimagine depression. While the mental illness is often defined in terms of its emotional symptoms - this led a generation of researchers to search for the chemicals, like serotonin, that might trigger such distorted moods - researchers are now focusing on more systematic changes in the depressed brain.

more from Boston Globe Ideas here.

Posted by Morgan Meis at 10:09 AM | Permalink

Comments

Reasonably developed though not totally accurate, as it lacks congruence with other recent findings.

Professor Hagop Akiskal is the one to consult.

But, it puts Prozac (fluoxetine and the rest --- to rest! Just a bit)

Posted by: Felix E F Larocca MD | Jul 8, 2008 10:29:33 AM

But just how does stress cause brain cells to die? And why do some people thrive on stress while others get depressed? A lot of work remains to be done.

Posted by: Jared | Jul 8, 2008 3:12:33 PM

Jared, the theory goes that it has to do with the activity of the glucocorticoids accelerating the process of cellular oxydation and hence, the process of apoptosis.

In other words, friend: NO ONE Knows!

A good read by the expert on stress: Why Zebras don't Get Ulcers (and WE do).

You'll like Robert Zapolsky at his best in this book!

Posted by: Felix E F Larocca MD | Jul 8, 2008 5:14:58 PM

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