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BACKGROUND: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are typically thought to have a delay of several weeks in the onset of their clinical effects. However, recent reports suggest they may have a much earlier therapeutic onset. A reduction in amygdala responsivity has been implicated in the therapeutic action of SSRIs. AIMS: To investigate the effect of a single dose of an SSRI on the amygdala response to emotional faces. METHOD: Twenty-six healthy volunteers were randomised to receive a single oral dose of citalopram (20 mg) or placebo. Effects on the processing of facial expressions were assessed 3 h later using functional magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Volunteers treated with citalopram displayed a significantly reduced amygdala response to fearful facial expressions compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Such an immediate effect of an SSRI on amygdala responses to threat supports the idea that antidepressants have an earlier onset of therapeutically relevant effects than conventionally thought.

Original publication

DOI

10.1192/bjp.bp.108.056093

Type

Journal article

Journal

Br J Psychiatry

Publication Date

06/2009

Volume

194

Pages

535 - 540

Keywords

Adult, Amygdala, Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation, Citalopram, Emotions, Facial Expression, Female, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors, Treatment Outcome, Young Adult