Antidepressants Found to Create New Brain Cells

Researchers have found a link between the use of antidepressants and proliferation of new brain cells. The hippocampus is the area of the brain that governs mood, learning, and control of emotion. When someone is depressed or stressed out, the body decreases production of a specific protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Without this growth protein, the hippocampus can atrophy causing loss of brain cells. Antidepressants help reverse this effect and promote production of VEGF. So speak with your doctor, if therapy alone is not helping your depression, it might be time to consider adding antidepressants to your fight against depression. ScienceDaily has the study findings.