1970s
The significant, industry-altering discovery in the 1970s was receptor-ligand matching technology, which allowed psychiatrists to better understand the brains of depressed patients and, consequently, allowed pharmacologists to begin studying new types of antidepressants. This technology brought about the monoamine theory of depression, which would have previously been impossible (Palizidou).
While MAOIs and TCAs in the 1950s acted on patients’ moods and were eventually used specifically for treating depression, the science behind the drugs was relatively misunderstood. Though the side effects of such drugs were well-documented by this point, it was receptor-ligand technology that showed scientists two neurotransmitters in particular that were responsible for mood regulation and whose deficiency was responsible for depression. They were serotonin and norepinephrine: both now widely known neurotransmitters, even to many with limited psychiatric knowledge (Palizidou).
The monoamine theory became exceedingly important in the 1980s, when new, more targeted drugs became the desire, as opposed to “dirty” drugs that affected brain chemistry in unnecessary ways, which can lead to severe physical repercussions for patients (Kramer).
History of Antidepressants
References
Kramer, Peter D. Listening to Prozac. Penguin Books. New York, 1993.
Palizidou, Eleni. “Development of new antidepressants.” Advances in Psychiatric Treatment. Vol. 3 (1997): 46–51
While MAOIs and TCAs in the 1950s acted on patients’ moods and were eventually used specifically for treating depression, the science behind the drugs was relatively misunderstood. Though the side effects of such drugs were well-documented by this point, it was receptor-ligand technology that showed scientists two neurotransmitters in particular that were responsible for mood regulation and whose deficiency was responsible for depression. They were serotonin and norepinephrine: both now widely known neurotransmitters, even to many with limited psychiatric knowledge (Palizidou).
The monoamine theory became exceedingly important in the 1980s, when new, more targeted drugs became the desire, as opposed to “dirty” drugs that affected brain chemistry in unnecessary ways, which can lead to severe physical repercussions for patients (Kramer).
History of Antidepressants
References
Kramer, Peter D. Listening to Prozac. Penguin Books. New York, 1993.
Palizidou, Eleni. “Development of new antidepressants.” Advances in Psychiatric Treatment. Vol. 3 (1997): 46–51
Conference
Every year, members of the Society get together for our annual conference. Read about speakers, ticket pricing, and the schedule of this year's events.
Life
In "Life," the history of assisted suicide and the controversy surrounding the issue are discussed.
Body
In "Body," the history and issues of Gender Identity Disorder are summarized.