Posted by SLS on May 10, 2005, at 6:35:33
In reply to Serotonin Transporter and Depression, posted by RedSoxFan79 on May 9, 2005, at 13:56:35
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> If having two short versions of the Serotonin Transporter gene (as opposed to 1 or none) can cause one to be more susceptible to depression, then why are SSRI's effective for depression, I dont get this.
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> The short version of the Serotonin Transporter gene causes one to manufacture less Serotonin Transporters. So this would mean there is less Serotonin being recycled and taken away from the synapse. So this in turn causes elevated Serotonin levels in the synapse, which then leads to a chronic activation of the serotonin system over time and depression symptoms appear.
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> Prozac and other SSRI's are doing the same thing. Causing less serotonin to be taken away, leaving more in the synapse. How can this treat depression if this is also what can cause depression in some people. It seems like fighting fire with fire. Any comments or knowledge as to how this works?
It might be as simple as forcing the system to adapt to a new condition; the result of which more closely approximates the genetically programmed ratios and dynamics. It almost doesn't matter in which direction you push the system. This is perhaps a very crude and heavy-handed way to go about re-regulating the system, and might account for both the large scope of therapeutic activity and side-effects, as well as the development of treatment-resistance.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:495595
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050510/msgs/495919.html