Opiates, endorphins, endorphin friendly agents and depression

         Doctors  For Equal Rights For Physical And Mental Pain

        8409 Carlynn Dr. Bethesda, MD 20817               alensalerian@gmail.com

                                           dralensalerian.blogspot.com
 Founding members:

 Siobhan Reynolds Kevin Byers Vanessa Mullin Alen J Salerian Solange MacArthur

From Opiates To Endorphin Agonists: why opiates are crucial for normal brain function

History

1st century : Dioscurides.

2nd century: Galen.

16th century: Paracelsus.

17th century: Sydenham.

18th and 19th centuries: Engelken families.

20th century: Weber Emrich .

Neurobiology

Activates PFX.

Dampens sub cortex and limbic brain.

Naloxone an opiate antagonist blocks joy associated with listening to music.

Postmortem findings

Brains of severe depression and suicide show endorphin-opiate starved brains.

Clinical findings of efficacy:

Pain*****

Severe Depression – ECT nonresponders*****

Addictive disorders*****

Bipolar disorder***

Psychosis**

Epidemiology

99% of people with addiction suffer from psychiatric disorders consistent with the observation that addiction is a complication of an untreated mental illness.

High comorbidity of depression and pain consistent with endorphins crucial role in mediating mental function.