Young women given the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine, also known as the antidepressant drug Paxil, are less likely to cry when watching an emotional movie, according to preliminary research published in Psychopharmacology.
The study was the first to show a relation between the neurotransmitter serotonin and crying. SSRIs like paroxetine inhibit the reabsorption of serotonin, increasing its level in the brain.
Researchers from the Netherlands administered 20 milligrams of paroxetine or a placebo to 25 healthy young women and had them watch one of two emotional movies: “Once Were Warriors” and “Brian’s Song.” Those who received paroxetine cried significantly less than the women who received a placebo.
“Since the relation between [serotonin] and crying behaviour is not studied very extensively thus far, and precise relations with underlying emotions and different types of crying are unknown, the present study can be seen as a first starting point and the interesting results ask for further exploration concerning the effects of psychopharmacological agents on different types of crying and the underlying mechanisms,” the researchers explained.
The study was conducted by Frederik M. van der Veen, Joyce Jorritsma, Carola Krijger and Ad J. Vingerhoets. It was published September 16, 2011.
Further research should examine if serotonin only inhibits crying or if it inhibits other emotional expressions as well, the researched said. Additional studies should also investigate the effects of SSRIs on sentimental or “positive” crying.
“Taken together, this would lead to a better insight into the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of this mysterious and important, but scientifically ignored and poorly understood human behaviour.”
