Doylestown, PA
A 37-year-old female asked:
Debate: do antidepressants actually cure the brain if you stay on 6-12 mos or once off or you go back to the way you were (your brain)?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pamela Pappasanswered
Psychiatry 44 years experience
Not exactly: There are studies showing that treatment of depression with ssri's is associated with increasing size of the hippocampus in the brain. This may be a marker for some healing response. Unfortunately tapering the medication too soon may result in relapse of symptoms, so the brain is clearly not "cured" by these medications. I think we have a great deal more to learn about all these factors.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Bennett Machanicanswered
Neurology 54 years experience
Good data regarding control and remission of symptoms, but not clearly a true "CURE". Working closely with your doctor, a decision can be made whether to continue or taper off, depending upon your needs.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 3, 2021
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