Study Identifies GABA Neurons as New Drug Target for Depression, Mood Disorders

According to a report in the Journal of Neuroscience, a new drug target for depression and other mood disorders may be found in a group of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons, which are shown to contribute to symptoms like anxiety and social withdrawal. In a mouse-model study, researchers were able to shut off the neurons after discovering that bullying and social stress activated the GABA neurons and triggered depression symptoms.  “This is the first time that GABA neuron activity—found deep in the brainstem—has been shown to play a key role in the cognitive processes associated with social approach or avoidance behavior in mammals,” says one of the investigators. “The results help us to understand why current antidepressants may not work for everyone and how to make them work better—by targeting GABA neurons that put the brake on serotonin cells.” Click here to read the full article.