Depression and its treatment - a mini review

A number of hypotheses are associated with the development of MDD. Genetic and psychosocial stress has shown to affect the disease process. Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis changes, monoamine deficiencies, specific brain region dysfunction, reduced levels and action of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), affected glutamate regulation, neurotoxic processes and circadian rhythm disturbances are few of the proposed mechanisms that leads to the development of MDD. 2 Medical conditions which could lead to depressive symptoms include autoimmune disorders, neurologic conditions (stroke, seizure disorder, brain injury), dementia, malignancies, endocrine disorders (hypercalcemia, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism) and infectious disorders (HIV, hepatitis). Substances and medications which cause depressive symptoms include oral contraceptives, sedatives, thiazide, propranolol, thiazide, alcohol and antiparkinsonian medications. 3