Major Depressive Disorder: Comprehensive Overview of Causes, Treatment, and Outcomes

What Is Major Depressive Disorder and How Does It Affect People?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities, recurrent thoughts of death, and physical and cognitive symptoms. According to this comprehensive 2023 Nature Reviews Disease Primers overview, people with MDD experience reduced quality of life due to the disorder itself as well as related medical comorbidities, social factors, and impaired functional outcomes. MDD is a complex disorder that cannot be fully explained by any single biological or environmental pathway.

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Folate as Adjunct Therapy to SSRI/SNRI for Major Depressive Disorder: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis

Introduction

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of folate supplementation (l-methylfolate or folic acid) as adjunct therapy to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for major depressive disorder treatment. The study aimed to determine whether folate augmentation improves depression scores, response rates, and remission rates compared to SSRI/SNRI monotherapy.

Background and Rationale

The Challenge of Depression Treatment

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects an estimated 11 million individuals over age 18 annually in the United States and is predicted to become the leading cause of disability within the next 13 years. Current first-line treatments with SSRI/SNRI monotherapy achieve only modest efficacy, with studies like STAR*D showing:

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The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction

This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in reducing depressive symptoms among adults. With depression affecting more than 320 million people worldwide and being the leading cause of disability globally, identifying effective adjunctive treatments is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Background and Rationale

Vitamin D and Depression Connection

Vitamin D, traditionally known for its role in bone health, has emerged as a potential neurosteroid with significant implications for mental health. Following the discovery of vitamin D receptors in the brain, researchers have investigated its potential role in regulating neurophysiological processes associated with depression.

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