A recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that escitalopram, a common antidepressant, increases activity in the right amygdala region of the brain during emotional processing tasks. The researchers, led by Paulina B. Lukow, aimed to investigate whether escitalopram affects activation and connectivity in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.
Healthy volunteers aged 18-50 took part in a series of assessments and an fMRI scan to measure brain activity while processing emotions. After administering either 10mg of escitalopram or a placebo, participants underwent another fMRI scan.
The results showed that escitalopram increased activity in the right amygdala region but not in other brain areas. However, there was no change in mood or connectivity between brain regions.
This study provides insight into the effects of escitalopram on neural activity in the amygdala, a region responsible for processing emotions. Further research is needed to determine whether these findings translate into observable differences in psychological functioning.
Source: https://www.psypost.org/antidepressant-escitalopram-boosts-amygdala-activity/