Perspectives on depression—past, present, futurea

Abstract

Depression presents a wide canvas for considering some approaches, issues, and problems in the study of major categories of mental illness in the context of current behavioral and molecular neurobiology. The study of depression encompasses multiple interactions among psychiatry, neurology, and neuroscience, as well as interactions with a host of other disciplines. This paper considers issues from an American perspective and discusses topics including historical aspects of the ways humanity has struggled with depression; the growth of approaches, and the "wars" in psychiatry in the middle of the 20th century between different ideologies; the development of psychiatry as a behavioral science inclusive of many disciplines; current diagnostic systems such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association, and the ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioral Disorders of the World Health Organization; the efforts to delineate subtypes of depression; the search for new neurobiological and behavioral targets in the context of the National Institute of Mental Health's Research Domain Criteria framework; and examples of potential future discoveries and disciplines that may ultimately improve treatment.

Use of tramadol in psychiatric care: A comprehensive review and report of two cases

“…This condition is also known to be very heterogeneous with regard to its neurobiological underpinnings, as well as to the specific strategies of treatment that might be most beneficial for its various forms. Thus, classification and treatment recommendations for depression are undergoing constant evolution and debate by clinicians and researchers [2]. One important aetiological factor in the development of a depressive episode is the occurrence of a severe external stressor, often in the social domain, that produces negative affect and challenges the individual's ability to cope with various forms of stress [3].…”

Sonic hedgehog, Wnt, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor cell signaling pathway crosstalk: potential therapy for depression

“…The ancient literature also validates that depression and anxiety overlap each other and increase with alcohol consumption, something that is well established today. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM‐5 , 2013) of the American Psychiatric Association, and the ICD‐10 Classification of Mental and Behavioral Disorders of the World Health Organization, diagnosis of MDD is based on symptomatic criteria (Barchas & Brody, ). Although the pathophysiology of depression has not been deciphered yet, in recent decades it has been speculated that deregulation of molecular and cellular signaling pathways might play a significant role in the initiation and progression of depression.…”