FOCUS Live: Major Depressive Disorder
FOCUS Live! Major Depressive Disorder
Presented by Charles B. Nemeroff, MD, PhD
Report compiled by Mark H. Rapaport, MD
May 5, 2008
Dr. Nemeroff presented an exciting review of the advances in the neurobiology of major depression. He emphasized advances suggesting the importance of dopaminergic systems in cooperation with serotonergic and noradrenergic systems in the pathogenesis of depression.
Thus he highlighted the importance of employing techniques that enhance dopaminergic activity in patients nonresponsive to initial treatment with SSRIs and SNRIs. He also presented exciting data demonstrating that at least one possible subtype of depression disorder that may involve corticotrophin releasing hormone overdrive is postulated to be the result of genetic predisposition and exposure to early life trauma.