Major depression disorder - etiology and treatment

Major depressive disorder (MDD) may soon become the most common disease after cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Its development involves genetic factors, inflammation, hormonal disorders, brain structure changes, and neurotransmission disruptions. The microbiome-gut-brain axis influences mood regulation; bacteria such as Escherichia, Shigella, and Enterococcus may negatively affect MDD development and treatment response, while probiotics like Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, Bifidobacterium longum, and Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI 588 may help reduce symptoms. The FDA has approved intranasal esketamine for treatment-resistant depression and MDD with severe suicidal thoughts, offering rapid symptom reduction. Further research on microbiota's role is needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction and purpose: The problem of major depression disorder (MDD) affects more and more people. In a few years, it may become the most common disease after cardiovascular diseases and cancer. MDD are manifested by a depressed mood, decreased energy, loss of interest and the ability to enjoy life, as well as a number of other additional symptoms. Untreated MDD can lead to disability. This entails not only consequences for the sick person but also increased social costs. That is why it is so important to know the causes of its formation and to look for new therapeutic methods. State of knowledge: The development of MDD is influenced by genetic factors, inflammatory factors and hormonal disorders, changes in the structure of the brain, disorders in neurotransmission. The microbiome-gut-brain axis affects mood regulation and neurotransmission in the brain. Bacteria such as Escherichia, Shigella, Enterococcus, Streptococccus, Alistipes, Parabacterioides, Veillonella have been identified as having a potential negative effect on the development of MDD and response to treatment. The use of probiotics containing Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, Bifidobacterium longum and Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI 588 may help reduce the symptoms of MDD. In recent years, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the intranasal preparation of esketamine for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with severe suicidal thoughts. Unlike other antidepressants, it has a quick effect on reducing symptoms. Summary: Due to the global problem of MDD, further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of its formation. Particular attention should be paid to the influence of microbiota.