Brain differences 'dull sunshine pills' effect'

DIFFERENCES in brain make-up may explain why antidepressants fail to help half the people they are prescribed to, research suggests.

Scientists found that molecular differences meant some brains were more susceptible to anxiety and depression. They were also less likely to respond to treatment with "sunshine" pills.

Most antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps messages pass between nerve cells.

The US scientists discovered some brains have too many serotonin receptors and were likely to find it difficult to cheer up.