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From Science, Spoken: Why Antidepressants Take So Long to Work

May 29, 2024
Learn about how SSRIs physically reshape the brain in the first month of treatment, the relationship between neuroplasticity and depression, and the theories behind why antidepressants take time to work. Explore studies on synaptic density, brain wiring, and new connections in depression treatment.
11:23

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • SSRIs enhance neuroplasticity by forming new synapses, explaining their delayed antidepressant effects.
  • Research is exploring the intersection of neuroplasticity, synaptic changes, and neurotransmitter accumulation to improve antidepressant treatments.

Deep dives

The Time Lag of Antidepressants’ Effects

Antidepressants like SSRIs often take weeks to alleviate depressive symptoms despite their immediate chemical impact. Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to rewire and form new connections, is proposed to play a crucial role in this delay. Studies indicate that SSRIs boost neuroplasticity, leading to increased synaptic connections over time, contributing to the drug's efficacy and the time required for mood improvement.

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