Depression: From Psychopathology to Pharmacotherapy

Despite the availability of antidepressants for over 40 years, a substantial proportion of depressed patients do not respond adequately to treatment. Failure to respond effectively to treatment contributes to physical ill-health and psychiatric morbidity, often resulting in premature death of the depressed patient. The purpose of this volume is to consider the possible reasons for the limitations of the currently available antidepressants, to examine the advances in our understanding of the psychopathology of depression and how such knowledge may assist in the discovery of new methods of treatment. Leading international experts in this field discuss the possible underlying reasons for depression and limitations of current antidepressants. Opportunities for novel therapeutic approaches to dysfunctional circadian rhythms and mood disorders as well as current status and future perspectives for optimizing antidepressant management of depression are reviewed. Editor(s): Cryan, J.F. (Cork); Leonard, B.E. (Galway) Contents Preface Antidepressants: Past and Present Antidepressant Compounds: A Critical Review: Tang, S.W.; Helmeste, D.M.; Leonard, B.E. Basic and Clinical Aspects of Depression Research The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Depression: Julio-Pieper, M.; Dinan, T.G. Dysfunctional Circadian Rhythms and Mood Disorders: Opportunities for Novel Therapeutic Approaches: Norman, T. The Concept of Depression as a Dysfunction of the Immune System: Leonard, B.E. The Role of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Pathology and Treatment of Depression: Song, C. Overcoming Antidepressant Treatment Resistance: Focus on Glutamate: Murrough, J.W.; Mathew, S.J. Neuroimaging and the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Depression: Recent Advances and Future Needs: Cannon, D.M. Experimental Models of Depression and the Mechanisms of Action of Antidepressants Animal Models of Depression – Where Are We Going? Slattery, D.A.; Cryan, J.F. Genetic Models of Depression and Antidepressant Response: Lucki, I. The Role of 5-HT2C Receptors in the Antidepressant Response: A Critical Review: Martin, C.B.P.; Hamon, M.; Lanfumey, L.; Mongeau, R. Cromatin-Based Treatments for Aff ective Disorders – Insight or Utopia: Covington, H.E. III; Berton, O. Neurotrophic Factors and Antidepressant Action: Recent Advances: O’Leary, O.F.; Castrén, E. Neurogenic Basis of Antidepressant Action: Recent Advances: Tanti, A.; Belzung, C. The Future of Antidepressants The Nature and Treatment of Therapy- Resistant Depression: Kennedy, S.H.; Rizvi, S.J.; Giacobbe, P. Optimizing Antidepressant Management of Depression: Current Status and Future Perspectives: Schwartz, T.L.; Stahl, S.M.