Project Summary

Monika Fleshner, Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2005) of University of Colorado, Boulder, aims to study in an animal model if exercise might be able to overcome the agitation, depression and suicidal side effects some patients experience upon first taking SSRI antidepressants. Preliminary evidence from Dr. Fleshner’s laboratory suggests that SSRIs in animal models of depression decrease levels of hippocampal BDNF, and the time course of the decrease in BDNF corresponds with the time course of behavioral disturbances. Interestingly, rats that are physically active (living with a running wheel in their home cages) prior to acute SSRI administration are protected from the reduction in hippocampal BDNF and possibly the negative side effects, which this proposal aims to test. Study results may support a role of exercise as an adjunct therapy during the initial stages of antidepressant treatment to reduce the potential risk associated with the onset of pharmacotherapy. Also, assessing physical activity prior to onset of antidepressant therapy might help maximize psycho-pharmacotherapy adherence.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS\Anxiety Disorders/Mood Disorders\Anxiety Disorders/Unipolar

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