[The association between the serotonin receptor family and depression]

It is commonplace that depression is a heterogeneous mental disorder and this fact is the main driver of seek for aetiology and therapeutic opportunities. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors emerging in the 1980s are still among the most commonly prescribed medicines in the world. Due to their use, large groups of patients who previously remained untreated or treated at the cost of unwanted side effects of older antidepressants have chance to receive more optimal therapy. The background of the potential aetiology is multifaceted. However, we can point out that, according to the huge amount of data available, elements of the 5-HT system determine both directly and indirectly a number of emotional states, moods, stress responses, predispositions to affective diseases, and ultimately depression itself. In this article we review the role of relevant elements of the system and novelties in explanation of therapeutic mechanism.