Even after depression has resolved, many people continue to struggle with memory, concentration, and clear thinking.
These difficulties can make everyday life more challenging, and there are currently few treatment options available, writes Science Daily.
Medication and placebo
Researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford investigated 50 people with a history of depression in a study published in Psychological Medicine.
The participants had been free of depression for at least six months and received either the medication or a placebo for seven to ten days.
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Before and after the treatment period, the participants completed a series of tests assessing memory, attention, reaction time, and other cognitive functions.
The researchers also reported no significant side effects during the trial.
Surprising findings
Participants who received the drug prucalopride performed better on the cognitive tests than those who received the placebo.
Prucalopride is currently used to treat chronic constipation.
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The medication acts on a serotonin receptor that is found in both the gut and the brain.
According to the researchers, this may help explain the improvements in memory, concentration, and reaction time.
However, the researchers emphasize that this was only a small study.
Larger studies are therefore needed before it can be determined whether the drug could also be used to treat the cognitive problems that may persist after depression.
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