Dr. Adams
07-26-2008, 08:10 AM
"Moderate drinking can offer health benefits. New research in mice suggests that abstinence following moderate drinking can lead to depression and blunt the growth of new neurons (neurogenesis) in the hippocampus, a causal link between abstinence from alcohol drinking and depression. This suggests that people who stop drinking may experience negative mood states days or weeks after the alcohol has cleared their systems.
Alcoholism and depression are 2 of the most costly and widespread neuropsychiatric disorders worldwide, the group writes. Converging evidence suggests that both alcoholism and depression are linked to reductions in hippocampal neurogenesis and that antidepressants may increase neurogenesis.
Thus, people who drink moderate alcohol socially or for potential health benefits may experience negative mood or diminished cognitive abilities due to a loss of the brain's ability to form new neurons.
The investigators found that chronic treatment with desipramine during abstinence prevented the development of depression and restored the capability of the brain to produce new cells.
Treatment with antidepressant drugs may help people who suffer from both alcoholism and depression by restoring the brain's ability to form new neurons.
Neuropsychopharmacology, June 18, 2008.
Alcoholism and depression are 2 of the most costly and widespread neuropsychiatric disorders worldwide, the group writes. Converging evidence suggests that both alcoholism and depression are linked to reductions in hippocampal neurogenesis and that antidepressants may increase neurogenesis.
Thus, people who drink moderate alcohol socially or for potential health benefits may experience negative mood or diminished cognitive abilities due to a loss of the brain's ability to form new neurons.
The investigators found that chronic treatment with desipramine during abstinence prevented the development of depression and restored the capability of the brain to produce new cells.
Treatment with antidepressant drugs may help people who suffer from both alcoholism and depression by restoring the brain's ability to form new neurons.
Neuropsychopharmacology, June 18, 2008.