The real effect of antidepressants: redirecting the gaze, not creating joy

We note that antidepressants are heavily prescribed to treat, as their name suggests, depression, but also other psychological disorders, such as anxiety. Consumption of these substances is skyrocketing, without the general public knowing what's going on. Are we really talking about a happy pill? Hugo Bottemanne, psychiatrist at Bicêtre Hospital, puts our view of these drugs into perspective.

We often have the impression that they only act on neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which, as the specialist points out, is mistakenly associated with feelings of happiness. This is not entirely untrue, but studies tend to show that these molecules influence cognitive biases. It is a common misconception that antidepressants only take effect after a month's regular use. In fact, the work begins immediately in the brain, but it takes longer for the individual to realize this. Studies have shown that antidepressants favour facial recognition of positive emotions over negative ones. These molecules also make it easier for the brain to recall happy memories.

Certain psychostimulants are also said to be capable of reactivating the body, which can feel flat and less energetic during depression. This ability to put the body into action is generally favourable, even if, ironically, it may prompt individuals with suicidal thoughts to act on them, bringing them out of their torpor. Hence the importance of psychological support, and the need for researchers to find alternative treatments (psychedelics, for example) for people for whom current antidepressants don't work.

Running time: 9min29

Image: Rigby40 from Pixabay