Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 9, 2025

Author Spotlight: Therapeutic Benefit of Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation in Depression Treatment
Published on: July 7, 2023
Precision Psychiatry: Biomarker-Guided Tailored Therapy for Effective Treatment and Prevention in Major Depression
Candace Jones1, Charles B Nemeroff2
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Depression contributes greatly to global disability and is a leading cause of suicide. It has multiple etiologies and therefore response to treatment can vary significantly. By applying the concepts of personalized medicine, precision psychiatry attempts to optimize psychiatric patient care by better predicting which individuals will develop an illness, by giving a more accurate biologically based diagnosis, and by utilizing more effective treatments based on an individual's biological characteristics (biomarkers). In this chapter, we discuss the basic principles underlying the role of biomarkers in psychiatric pathology and then explore multiple biomarkers that are specific to depression. These include endophenotypes, gene variants/polymorphisms, epigenetic factors such as methylation, biochemical measures, circadian rhythm dysregulation, and neuroimaging findings. We also examine the role of early childhood trauma in the development of, and treatment response to, depression. In addition, we review how new developments in technology may play a greater role in the determination of new biomarkers for depression.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Electroconvulsive Therapy

