An analysis of the rats’ brains showed that stress had a detrimental impact on neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells, and also shortend their lives. Stress also contributed to the formation of shorter neurons with fewer connections. Clozapine appeared to reverse these effects.
Researchers note in the paper that a large proportion of patients treated with currently available antidepressant drugs fail to get better. Hopefully, this study will provide some vital clues for future effective treatments.