Targeting gut cells may open new way to reduce depression and anxiety

Developing antidepressant medications that target cells in the gut may open a novel path towards effective treatment of mood disorders like depression and anxiety, finds a study.

- IANS

Targeting gut cells may open new ways to reduce depression and anxiety.

These gut-targeting medications may also lead to fewer cognitive, gastrointestinal, and behavioral side effects for patients and their children than current treatments.

"Antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft that raise serotonin levels are important first-line treatments and help many patients but can sometimes cause side effects that patients can't tolerate," said Mark Ansorge, associate professor of clinical neurobiology at Columbia University Vagelos.