European researchers investigated novel parameters implicated in the development of depression to understand disease aetiology. Their observations pave the way towards the design of novel drugs.
Despite great research efforts, little has been achieved in terms of new treatments for depression, which remains one of the greatest causes of chronic disability. Most clinically successful drugs increase the functioning of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter that is low in depression. However, these drugs are not efficacious in a large proportion of depression sufferers, exhibit a delayed onset of action or present with side effects.
Further information: The pathophysiology of depression