The Role of Neurobiologic Processes in Treating Depression

Current antidepressants work by directly affecting the neurotransmission of serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters modulate regions of the brain associated with depression and affect the expression of genes involved in neurogenesis and neuroprotection. Treatment targets for the development of future antidepressants include medications with novel mechanisms of action, such as glutamate receptor antagonists, that may alter the stress response of gene activity and provide neuroprotection to patients with depression.