A new study from Emory University has found that an anti-inflammatory drug could help improve motivation in people with depression.
The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, tested the effects of infliximab, a drug commonly used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, on patients with both depression and high levels of inflammation.
Motivation problems are a common symptom of depression and can make it harder for people to recover.
This study looked at the link between inflammation and low motivation, as there is growing evidence that inflammation in the body may contribute to the problem by affecting important brain circuits.
The research team focused on 42 patients who were not on other depression medications but had signs of high inflammation, measured by a blood test for C-reactive protein (CRP).
CRP levels higher than 3 mg/L are a sign of increased inflammation.
The patients were randomly given either a single dose of infliximab or a placebo (a harmless substance with no effect) and were monitored for two weeks.
The researchers used various methods to track changes in motivation, including tasks that tested how much effort patients were willing to put in for rewards, questionnaires, and brain scans (fMRI).
The results showed that patients who received infliximab were more motivated and willing to work for rewards compared to those who received the placebo.
This was linked to the drug’s ability to block a key molecule called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which is involved in inflammation.
Changes in brain activity were also seen in areas linked to motivation, such as the prefrontal cortex and ventral striatum.
Dr. Michael Treadway, a professor at Emory University and the study’s lead author, explained that this is the first study to show how an anti-inflammatory drug can affect brain circuits related to motivation.
He believes these findings offer new hope for people with depression, especially those who struggle with motivation. Dr. Andrew Miller, a professor of psychiatry and co-author, added that targeting inflammation could provide more effective treatment options for this challenging symptom.
This study offers a promising new direction for treating depression by addressing not only mental health but also the role of inflammation in the body.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and 6 foods you can eat to improve mental health.
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