Researchers published a new study that shows a certain drug could be used to treat depression symptoms that can lead to suicide.
A new study has identified a drug that could have the potential to treat depression and thus cause a massive reduction in suicides.
The drug is called ezogabine and has been shown to be linked to a large reduction in depressive symptoms and anhedonia. Anhedonia is the reduced ability to experience pleasure and is the main symptom of depression as it leads to a poor response to antidepressants and an increased risk of suicide.
Researchers have shown that ezogabine opens up the KCNQ2/3 channel, which is a member of a family of ion channels that act as controllers of brain cell excitability and function.
The researchers gave 45 adult study participants that were diagnosed with a depressive disorder either ezogabine or a placebo. The trial went on for five weeks.
The team found that participants who received ezogabine showed a significant reduction in depression severity, anhedonia, and overall illness severity compared to those participants who received a placebo. Additionally, the researchers stated that the drug basically mimics stress resilience in the brain.