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The effect of antidepressant treatment on alpha2 adrenoceptor function in DSM 111 major depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Siobhan Barry  and
Timothy G. Dinan
Timothy G. Dinan
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Medical School, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8
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Abstract

Twenty-one drug free patients fulfilling the DSM-111-R criteria for major depressive disorder were administered an alpha2 adrenoceptor challenge test. They were then treated with an antidepressant or ECT. Six weeks later, alpha2 function was again tested and found to be universally downregulated in treatment responders. Those who failed to respond to treatment (33%) had evidence of continuing alpha2 adrenoceptor activity. These results suggest central noradrenergic overactivity as a possible mechanism for depression, which runs counter to the classic catecholamine hypothesis.

Keywords

Antidepressant treatment - Alpha2 adrenoceptorDepression
Type
Original Articles
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 6 , Issue 2 , September 1989 , pp. 109 - 111
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

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