Carol and others- I also think you got close to the answer (see other correction re- plasticity vs up- down- regulation). However, I think that the more likely correct factors (you did reference them) in "withdrawal" symptoms to antidepressants are the metabolically factors. The timing for up or down regulation is simply too long (4 - 6 weeks is more like it) and too subtle to explain withdrawal symptoms as they are most frequently reported. For example, the hepatic, renal, hematological and other genetic/metabolic processes adapting to the withdrawal of the medication are far more likely culprits (if I'm reasoning correctly- I'm not sleepy but did just end a bike ride so I'm bushed!). Surely though, given the complexity of the issue, what with all the different compounds we currently use one would have to know the specific anti-depressant to which one is showing withdrawal, the dosing, the length of time on the medication, and other relevant factors in order to accurately explain withdrawal effects. I doubt very seriously if there is a single good answer to the question posed by the student(s). Why do I think that answer doesn't help much? :) Tim
-----Original Message-----
From: DeVolder Carol L [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Sun 3/14/2004 12:33 PM
To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences
Cc:
Subject: RE: Withdrawal from antidepressants
Good point--my mistake, thanks for correcting it. I told you I was still
asleep!
Thanks again,
Carol
-----Original Message-----
From: David Epstein [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Sun 3/14/2004 12:56 PM
To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences
Cc:
Subject: RE: Withdrawal from antidepressants
On Sun, 14 Mar 2004, DeVolder Carol L went:
> the body adjusts to the med--it changes in dendritic structure as
> well as metabolism. The change in dendritic structure may include
> "upregulation" (becoming more sensitive by adding new dendrites) or
> "downregulation" (becoming less sensitive by reducing dendrites).
Close, but no axon. :) Upregulation and downregulation refer to
increases and decreases in numbers of receptors--a receptor being a
single molecule.
Gross morphological changes can also occur (usually in the form of
increased numbers of dendritic spines, which are bumpy outgrowths
along dendrites), but such changes are usually referred to with the
term "plasticity."
As for the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms in the absence of other
symptoms of dependence--sure, that can happen, and it does happen with
many antidepressants. See the DSM-IV criteria for substance
dependence, in which withdrawal symptoms are neither necessary nor
sufficient for a diagnosis, though they may contribute to it.
--David Epstein
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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