"In one trial, researchers induced a depression-like condition in mice so they develop a depressive behavioral pattern. The mice were then given antidepressants and normal behavior returned. Then, when the mice were subjected to radiation treatment, a process known to terminate the formation of new nerve cells, the antidepressants stopped working and the mice returned to their depressed behaviors (1). Videbech cites this study as proof that antidepressants are only effective because of their influence on neurogenesis and when that influence is eliminated, antidepressants no longer improve depressive symptoms (2).
A recent article in Nature Medicine cites a promising new line of research in the ceramide system. In one study, after mice took Prozac-like antidepressants the levels of ceramide, a fat molecule in the brain, significantly decreased. In the brain, ceramide blocks brain cell growth. Meaning, Prozac affected ceramide levels which in turn increased neurogenesis. Scientists believe that further research on molecules like ceramide will continue, and eventually result in, more direct and effective antidepressant treatments. (4)"
Hard to say, but there are actually quite a few papers on the subject, going back to at least 2000. I think the good news here is that there are already drugs which appear to increase neurogenesis, at least in people with depression.
I found a couple papers on different antidepressants where the doctors did brain imaging, but it was always just for one or a few patients, not really enough to say which antidepressant works the best - and probably, since they only work about half the time, I’m guessing some work on some people and not others because of those individuals particular genetic or brain structure.
It’s amazing but Prozac really works well for me. It has some side effects I don’t like so I would be grateful if they came out with new ones. It would make a tremendous difference but I’d still take a new atypical over an antidepressant any day
Yes. But it was awesome for about 6 months. I also lost 20 lbs (which made me skin and bone) Went off it. Second time around, weight gain and the poop thing. Totally bizarre, but obviously my personal chemistry changed.
Both of the antipsychotics I am on Seroquel and Rexulti have antidepressant qualities. I would like to believe they are causing neurogenesis. OF course neurogenesis is not always good, it needs to be in the right areas of the brain or it may have no effect on your functioning.
