One of the most common questions I will get from patients is: “Why does it take so long before I notice a difference with my antidepressant, Dr. Z?”. It is a great question and as psychiatrists, we have long wondered why it takes so much time (usually 2-4 weeks) for antidepressants to show their mental health benefits.
A recent study sheds may have unlocked this mystery. Researchers in Copenhagen, Innsbruck, and the University of Cambridge found that as individuals took antidepressants over a few weeks, their brains underwent physical changes, literally growing in size in the areas associated with depression, like the neocortex and the hippocampus.
In a study involving healthy volunteers, those taking SSRIs showed a gradual increase in brain synapses – those chemical connections between nerve cells in the brain – which are vital for nerve communication. These synapses are like connections in the brain’s circuitry, and their growth appears to be a key part of how antidepressants work. The longer people took the medication, the more their brain’s synapse density increased.
The only way we could see an increase in synapse density is from a literal increase in the size of brain matter, particularly in the areas of the brain known as the neocortex and hippocampus (the memory center of the brain).
What does this all this mean? It suggests that the building of these brain connections – literally brain growth – takes time, explaining the delay in antidepressants’ effects. Additionally, it points us toward a potential target for developing even better antidepressant drugs.
This is a critical step forward in our understanding of depression and perhaps why antidepressants take some time to kick in and offer relief.
You may be literally growing brain matter as you feel better taking these medications!
Peter Zafirides, MD
Central Ohio Behavioral Medicine
PSYCHIATRY
COLUMBUS, OHIO
If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression do not take these symptoms lightly. The earlier you get help, the quicker you can find healing, because your symptoms truly can get better. Working with our psychiatrists is a proven path for dealing with such concerns. Contact us to talk about getting you the help you need and deserve.
