Antidepressant Psychopharmacology and the Social Brain

Abstract

Antidepressant drugs are a mainstay in psychiatric treatment and have the ability to influence neural substrates related to social bonding and interaction. This article explores the potential neurobiological overlap between social attachment and antidepressant mechanisms and reviews work related to the effects of antidepressants on separation distress, social affiliation, dominance hierarchies, romantic love, and socio-emotional processing. It is proposed that similarities between antidepressant pharmacology and the neurobiological effects of an effective care-giver may help create a sense of safety that in turn promotes changes in behavior and mood.

Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia-1 Gln31Leu Polymorphism Results in Social Anhedonia Associated with Monoaminergic Imbalance and Reduction of CREB and β-arrestin-1,2 in the Nucleus Accumbens in a Mouse Model of Depression

“…These data suggest a loss of social reward in DISC1-Q31L mutants, and that social facilitation significantly contributed to SCPP in WT mice. ADs can influence neuronal substrates important for social behavior in depression (Novick, 2011), but are not effective in children with autism (McPheeters et al, 2011), another disorder associated with altered social behavior. Interestingly, there is some overlap between neural areas mediating social behavioral therapy with those affected by ADs medications (Novick, 2011).…”

“…ADs can influence neuronal substrates important for social behavior in depression (Novick, 2011), but are not effective in children with autism (McPheeters et al, 2011), another disorder associated with altered social behavior. Interestingly, there is some overlap between neural areas mediating social behavioral therapy with those affected by ADs medications (Novick, 2011). We compared here the effects of three ADs on distinct aspects of social behavior in the DISC1-Q31L mouse model of depression.…”

Psychotherapy and Pharmacotherapy: A Contemporary Perspective

“…This suggests the tuning that can take place with SSRIs in humans may require a good enough mother with which to begin. Intriguingly, Novick (2011) concludes:…”

“…To further elucidate the complex interactions among the biological, psychological, and social realms we turn to Novick's (2011) contribution on the impact of antidepressant medication on social relations; Karlsson et al's (2009) research on brain changes seen in the psychodynamic treatment of depression, the evolving field of epigenetics and the placebo effect.…”

“…The level of analysis offered by Novick (2011) is helpful in appreciating the effects of medication on various brain systems involved in mood regulation and social relations; that is, psychological experiences of central interest to the clinician. Other data have increasingly indicated the effect of psychotherapy on biological systems.…”