The Pharmacotherapy of Depression - Searching for New Mechanisms and Drug Interactions. Basic and Clinical Research, Volume II

Download or read book The Pharmacotherapy of Depression - Searching for New Mechanisms and Drug Interactions. Basic and Clinical Research, Volume II written by Katarzyna Stachowicz and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2024-04-15 with total page 136 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Depression is a common mental disorder and one of the leading causes of hospitalization. Simultaneously this disorder is the most notorious vulnerability factor to suicide attempts among men and women. The COVID-19 pandemic (COVID-19-related stressors) resulted in a statistically significant increase in depression incidences. Pharmacological treatment in the clinic is primarily based on substances synthesized in the 1960s and 1970s. High hopes were associated with compounds increasing the level of catecholamines in the brain and reducing excitotoxic levels of glutamate (Glu). However, side effects associated with cognition and psychosis are common. Therefore, it is crucial to synthesize new pharmacologically active substances or combine those used in clinical practice to define further directions in the development of novel more effective therapeutics for depression.