Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders are prescribed antidepressants, and the number appears to have been climbing.
Healthnavigator.org.nz tells me that there are four broad families of antidepressant drugs. These include tricyclics and monoamine-oxidase inhibitors. Though they work differently, these two groups of drugs date back to the 1950s, which saw a dramatic increase in the development of medications for psychological distress.
Ironically, the first monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressants grew out of attempts to make a treatment for tuberculosis. I don’t know if they worked for that, but patients were notably more cheerful and active. A “happy little accident”, as American artist and TV host Bob Ross would say.
Our brains produce and use a various chemicals as messengers to get stuff done. Need to bolster happy feelings? That requires unlocking the neural cupboards that regulate mood by releasing a bunch of the relevant “keys” (neurotransmitters) that float around until they find the lock they fit. Happiness ensues. Because our brains are tidy Kiwis, they reuptake the keys left-lying around, to be recycled and stored for next time.
Denne historien er fra August 13 - 19, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra August 13 - 19, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.