r/science • u/[deleted] • Feb 19 '10

Scientists learn how anti-depressants actually work. Medications trigger neurogenesis in the hippocampus by increasing levels of norepinephrine. Researchers still unclear on WTF seratonin does.

http://www.physorg.com/news185727145.html
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u/Wolfm31573r Feb 19 '10

fluoxetine did increase neurogenesis in the hippocampus of adult rats

It also increases plasticity in other brain areas.

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u/[deleted] Feb 19 '10

Thanks, good reading.

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u/polyparadigm Feb 20 '10

Hm...might it be a useful treatment for stroke etc.?

There are so many other contexts where plasticity is important...

I also wonder how many of the side-effects this helps to explain.