The Future Of Fast-acting Depression Medication (broadcast Friday, July 27th, 2007)

Depression medication usually takes weeks to kick in. But one drug, ketamine, starts working in hours. In new research published this week in the journal Biological Psychiatry, scientists say they have a better idea of how the drug, also used as an anesthetic, may be affecting the brain. In this hour of Science Friday, guest host Joe Palca talks to the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health about what this drug reveals about depression and what it could mean for the future of depression treatment. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests

Thomas Insel
Director
National Institute of Mental Health
Bethesda, Maryland

Related Links

• NIMH: Depression
• Ketamine relieves depression within hours - health - 08 August 2006 - New Scientist
• NIMH: Faster-Acting Antidepressants Closer to Becoming a Reality

Segment produced by:Flora Lichtman

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Friday, July 27th, 2007

• NASA Plagued By Reports Of Intoxication, Sabotage
• Mars Rovers Battle Storms On The Red Planet
• Drawing The Line Between Science And Politics
• The Future Of Fast-acting Depression Medication
• Computer Program Yields Clues About Baby Talk
• Protecting Privacy In A Web-searching World

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