Patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) probably have defaults in emotional memory processing. Thanks to the following tidbit that these deficits can now be reversed. Investigators from the Karolinska Institutet claim that certain antidepressants can reverse MDD related inadequacy of emotional memory processing.
Throughout the research, scientists triggered various experiments on animal models. Cognitive impairments, namely diminished concentration or indecisiveness, appear commonly among MDD patients. Experts employed the rat depression model, Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) that shows comparable cognitive dysfunctions like impaired emotional memory processing. This model probably failed to restrict an unpleasant environment.
Per Svenningsson, and colleagues were seemingly able to restore memory performance with the help of SSRI escitalopram. However, the tricyclic antidepressant nortriptyline was possibly unable to provide similar results. The research discovered molecular nodal points that are targeted by the SSRI, which can help in designing future antidepressant medications with pro-cognitive actions.
The research is published online in Molecular Psychiatry.