Current and Emerging Pharmacotherapies for Depression: A Mini Review

Depression is a complicated psychiatric condition with significant global health consequences. It has an impact on mood, cognition, and overall functioning, frequently resulting in significant emotional and social burdens. Pharmacotherapy is the major treatment option for mild to severe patients. Monoaminergic neurotransmission is the primary target of current antidepressants, which include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). While these medications give relief for many individuals, a substantial proportion experience poor efficacy, delayed onset, or intolerable adverse effects. To address these challenges, novel pharmacological strategies are being explored. Recent advances include fast-acting drugs like ketamine and ketamine, which alter glutamatergic transmission, as well as eurysternids like renanolone, which operate on GABA receptors. Psychedelic compounds (psilocybin) and anti-inflammatory drugs are also gaining attention for their potential antidepressant effects. Additionally, pharmacogenomics and precision medicine approaches aim for specific treatments based on individual genetic profiles, improving response and minimizing adverse effects.