SSRI Antidepressants May Boost Cognitive Abilities: Biological Psychiatry Study Highlights
Advertisement
Researchers have found that Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors antidepressants have the potential to improve certain cognitive functions, such as verbal memory. They measured brain function in patients before and after taking the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors escitalopram and correlated this to a drop in the level of one of the serotonin receptors in the brain and to cognitive improvements during treatment. The findings were published in the journal Biological Psychiatry.
The researchers began by scanning the brains of 90 depressed patients, to measure the quantity of 5HT4 receptor which serotonin binds to. At the same time, patients were given a series of tests to measure mood and cognitive abilities.
Patients were given daily doses of escitalopram, and at the end of 8 weeks, 40 patients were rescanned to measure the quantity of 5HT4 receptor in the brain. The mood of the patients had improved, but the team also found that the levels of 5HT4 receptor had dropped by around 9% possibly due to adaptations to increased levels of serotonin. When they asked these patients to undertake more cognitive tests, they found that their performance had improved, so that the less the 5HT4 receptor had changed the better the cognitive outcome. This phenomenon was particularly prominent for the ability to recall words.
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.