red orange yellow green blue pink

Tomorrow’s Antidepressants: Skip the Serotonin Boost?

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

Scientists Reverse Depression-Like Behaviors In Mice Without Raising Serotonin Levels

New research adds to evidence of potentially better molecular targets in the brain to treat depression and other mental disorders, according to NIMH-funded scientists. The researchers suggest that imbalances in the activity of an enzyme called GSK3ß may be closer to the root cause of mental illnesses than are low serotonin levels. Serotonin, a brain chemical, is the ultimate target of several current medications that work by indirectly increasing it to relieve symptoms. In preliminary findings, the scientists suggest that GSK3ß might be… Read More