Molly Vickers
It is well-known that the many factors of college life-the busy schedules, long weekends, cramming for exams, new relationships-can have a huge impact on stress levels and often times can lead to depression among college students. What I don't know is what medications these students are using and how it is affecting their mental health. I know a college student who believed she was depressed, was put on an antidepressant, and claims that the depression was taking a toll on her life and still would be if it wasn't for the antidepressant. Is there actually a chemical change in the brain that occurs which allows students taking the medication to positively change his/her behavior? Or is it "mind or matter," and these students are simply "happier" due to the fact that they know they are being treated?
A common antidepressant used among college students is Prozac. From researching the topic, I learned that Prozac is an SSRI, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Researchers in Long Island just did a study on this drug, and found that Prozac actually is vital in stimulating stem cells to become neurons, and promotes the cell called ANP to grow. ANP inhibits stress hormones and when it is present, allows the body to shut off an attack. Consequently, college students who are suffering from depression do not have enough ANP, therefore these stress hormones build up and the body is not "shutting down" these attacks. Once the student begins regular use of the medication, these cells will actually balance the hormones needed to end the depression.
Sources:
Palkhivala, A. (2001, October 8). Hormones for your head. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/hormones-for-your-head
Farrell, P. (2006, May 24). Anxiety and stress management. Retrieved from http://blogs.webmd.com/anxiety-and-stress-management/2006/05/prozac-and-brain-growth.html
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