SSRI and Other Antidepressants and Pregnancy – 2020

Peter ForsterMajor Depression, Physical Conditions and Health, Treatments of Depression Leave a Comment

We have several other posts on this topic which trace the evolution of our thinking about the risks of using antidepressants during pregnancy. Generally, the data continues to support our view that the risks of depression during pregnancy, both in terms of effects on the mother and effects on the child, usually outweigh the risks of antidepressant use. Another large …

Antidepressant Response Linked to Norepinephrine Transporter Genotype

Peter ForsterBest Practices, Major Depression, Testing, Treatments of Depression

A large study of patients treated with venlafaxine found that antidepressant response was linked to the norepinephrine transporter (NET) genotype. The study looked at response in a sample of 350 individuals over the age of 60 with severe depression (MADRS greater than or equal to 15) who were treated with venlafaxine up to a dose of 300 mg a day. …

Functional Brain Imaging and Antidepressant Response

Peter ForsterBasic Science, Testing, Treatments of Depression

One of the most exciting initiatives currently in the important area of  the treatment of depression is the International Study to Predict Optimized Treatment in Depression (iSPOT-D). This large multi-center initiative is based on a private industry and academic partnership that is designed to both identify best practices in the treatment of depression and also commercialize them. The most recent publication from this …