5 ms·
About 15 years ago, I was in a bookstore in Palo Alto and, while browsing, picked up a book on depression and antidepressants. What it was about, or at least a
by dfraser992 6y ago
About 15 years ago, I was in a bookstore in Palo Alto and, while browsing, picked up a book on depression and antidepressants. What it was about, or at least a chapter, was linking antidepressants and the areas of the brain they were known to affect to the function of those areas and how they might be implicated in or be a factor in depression.
I looked up what I knew of my depressive symptoms and yep, regular SSRIs were hypothesized not to work and instead Wellbutrin was probably the better option. It made sense to me, but I am not an expert in these things. But ... the next psychiatrist I spoke to wanted to put me on the immediately physically addictive Effexor, so I told him to stuff it. Psychedelics eventually did the trick, and I should have done a lot more of them...
So I am mystified why this basic idea of tying what we know of areas of the brain and what antidepressants affect what part seems to have not made any impact in the treatment of depression. Brainwaves processed by AI... ok... super cool PR but I can see a bunch of potential problems knowing what I know about "AI". Something a bit more grounded or fundamental as in "this area of the brain might be underactive, so let's try this medication" is perhaps more useful or reliable.
Unfortunately, I forgot the name of that book. Anyone have any idea how to track down it down?
- chiefgeek 6y agoI've been depressed for pretty much my entire adult life (I'm 51). Ten years of Zoloft did nothing for me. Should have quit after two. Eventually, I too, found the magic of psychedelics, combined with meditation and extensive body work. Therapeutic uses of MDMA, psilocybin and ayahuasca have completed transformed my outlook and helped me unwind the trauma stored in my body. I am very grateful. This research sounds very promising.