New Treatment Strategies of Depression: Based on Mechanisms Related to Neuroplasticity
Yu-Jhen Huang, Hsien-Yuan Lane, Chieh-Hsin Lin
Neural Plasticity 2017 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4605971 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Ketamine Sarcosine Transcranial magnetic stimulation Transcranial direct current stimulation Cranial electrotherapy stimulation Magnetic seizure therapy |
| Topics | Depression Neuroplasticity |
| Citations | 77 |
| Key findings | The authors argue that dysfunction of glutamatergic neurotransmission contributes to depression pathophysiology and that drugs modulating NMDA receptors, such as ketamine and sarcosine, as well as noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, may provide new treatment directions beyond traditional monoamine-based approaches, potentially through effects on neuroplasticity. |
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a severe and complex mental disorder. Impaired neurotransmission and disrupted signalling pathways may influence neuroplasticity, which is involved in the brain dysfunction in depression. Traditional neurobiological theories of depression, such as monoamine hypothesis, cannot fully explain the whole picture of depressive disorders. In this review, we discussed new treatment directions of depression, including modulation of glutamatergic system and noninvasive brain stimulation. Dysfunction of glutamatergic neurotransmission plays an important role in the pathophysiology of depression. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has rapid and lasting antidepressive effects in previous studies. In addition to ketamine, other glutamatergic modulators, such as sarcosine, also show potential antidepressant effect in animal models or clinical trials. Noninvasive brain stimulation is another new treatment strategy beyond pharmacotherapy. Growing evidence has demonstrated that superficial brain stimulations, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, cranial electrotherapy stimulation, and magnetic seizure therapy, can improve depressive symptoms. The antidepressive effect of these brain stimulations may be through modulating neuroplasticity. In conclusion, drugs that modulate neurotransmission via NMDA receptor and noninvasive brain stimulation may provide new directions of treatment for depression. Furthermore, exploring the underlying mechanisms will help in developing novel therapies for depression in the future.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on neuroplasticity, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A neurotrophic hypothesis of depression: role of synaptogenesis in the actions of NMDA receptor antagonists | 2012 | Review | |
| Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Review of preclinical and clinical studies | 2023 | Review | |
| Buddha's Brain: Neuroplasticity and Meditation [In the Spotlight] | 2008 | Review | |
| Neuroplasticity as a convergent mechanism of ketamine and classical psychedelics | 2021 | Review | |
| Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms | 2020 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Neuroinflammation and neuroprogression in depression: Effects of alternative drug treatments Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health November 7, 2022
- An Integrative Approach to Ketamine Therapy May Enhance Multiple Dimensions of Efficacy: Improving Therapeutic Outcomes With Treatment Resistant Depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry November 24, 2021
- Treatment-resistant major depression: Systematic review of comparative efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy and ketamine Physiology International January 30, 2025
- Basic aspects of ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression - a review paper Quality in Sport July 28, 2024
- Does oral administration of ketamine accelerate response to treatment in major depressive disorder? Results of a double-blind controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders August 1, 2018
Cites 22
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and 17 more in the library