Understanding Major Depressive Disorder and the Quest for Novel Antidepressants

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent, chronic, and recurring mental disorder that affects millions worldwide. It is a leading source of disability and is associated with excess mortality rates. Currently approved antidepressants primarily enhance or modulate monoaminergic neurotransmission, but they do not cure the disease. Evidence indicates that only one third of patients with MDD achieve remission after treatment with a first-line antidepressant agent.

Research in the past two decades has provided valuable insights into the pathophysiological understanding of MDD. However, there is an acknowledged translational gap in the field, and few genuinely novel antidepressants have been approved for the treatment of MDD. The Search for Anti Depressants provides readers an in-depth picture of the main pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the development of MDD in patients. Chapters in the volume focus on possible strategies to spur the discovery of novel antidepressants.

This book is an indispensable reference for mental health care providers, students at both under-graduate and graduate levels, and neuroscientists interested in the neurobiology of MDD and recent advances towards the discovery of next generation antidepressants. It offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on MDD and its treatment, as well as insights into future directions for research and development.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive overview of MDD and its treatment options
• Insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD
• Strategies for the discovery of novel antidepressants
• Indispensable reference for mental health care providers, students, and neuroscientists

Publication Details:

Title: The Search for Anti Depressants

Authors: Andre F. Carvalho, Gislaine Z. Reus, Joo Quevedo

Pages: 413

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Publication Date: July 13, 2017

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1681084740

ISBN-13: 978-1681084749

Dimensions: 7 x 1 x 10 inches