Commonly used SSRI antidepressants cause emotional dullness, researchers from the University of Cambridge, who conducted the study in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, point out. The results were published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.
SSRI antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are used for persistent and severe cases of depression. Serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone, is a brain neurotransmitter responsible for sleepiness, for example. for processes related to falling asleep, concentration of attention, control of mood and emotions.
The study was conducted on the example of escitalopram, which is one of the newest and most popular SSRI drugs. The effects of therapy on learning, executive function, and decision making were tested.
Research progress
The experiment, which lasted 21 days, involved 66 volunteers. 32 people received escitalopram, while the remaining 34 received a placebo. During therapy, they filled out a questionnaire in which they answered questions about their well-being, and were also subjected to tests that assessed their cognitive functions.
It turned out that taking the drug did not significantly affect attention or memory, as well as emotional control. Among those taking escitalopram, there was a decrease in sensitivity to receiving rewards and punishments and the ability to adequately respond to them.
Medications for depression reduce sensitivity to rewards and positive reinforcement.
SSRI drugs are highly effective, but many patients who take them report side effects in the form of so-called emotional dullness. It consists in the reduction or absence of the sensation of emotions, both negative and positive. and a sense of alienation from the outside world. Difficulty reaching orgasm has also been found to be a side effect of taking escitalopram.
“Emotional dullness is a common side effect of SSRI antidepressants. This is due to the way they work: their task is to remove the emotional pain that accompanies depression. Unfortunately, they seem to take away the joy of life at the same time,” said study leader Prof. Barbara Sahakyan from the Faculty of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-022-01523-x
Source: Wprost
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