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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Closed-Loop Neurostimulation for Biomarker-Driven, Personalized Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: July 7, 2023
[Biomarkers of depression]
Héctor J Caruncho1, Tania Rivera-Baltanás
1Departamento de Biología Celular. Grupo de Investigación BIOFARMA, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, España. hectorjuan.caruncho@usc.es
Identifying reliable biomarkers for depression is crucial due to delayed antidepressant effects and treatment resistance. Research focuses on genetic, molecular, and biochemical markers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Context:
- Delayed antidepressant action and treatment resistance necessitate novel biomarkers.
- Interest is growing in biomarkers for depression's vulnerability, diagnosis, and prognosis.
Purpose:
- To review validated genetic, molecular, and biochemical biomarkers for depression.
- To discuss the current state and future directions in depression biomarker research.
Summary:
- Validated biomarkers include decreased serotonin transporter binding, hypercortisolemia, hypocholesterolemia, reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor, decreased CREB phosphorylation, and elevated interleukin-6.
- Pharmacogenetic biomarkers for antidepressants are emerging.
Impact:
- Advances in biomarker discovery can personalize depression treatment.
- Future research aims to link pathophysiological biomarkers with clinical depression aspects.
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