Neurobiological Mechanisms and Recent Advances in Drug-Based Therapeutics in Depression

Neurobiological Mechanisms and Recent Advances in Drug-Based Therapeutics in Depression Publisher

Ahmadnia H ; Abdollahzadeh R ; Hatami H ; Masoumi S ; Moezzi SMI ; Shahsavari K ; Khanavi M ; Yazarlu O ; Tohidy Majd M ; Hasanpour M

Source: Neuroscience Published:2025

Abstract

Depression is a multifaceted mental disorder with significant global prevalence, with diverse pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways. Neurobiological foundations of depression, including serotonergic, noradrenergic, dopaminergic, cholinergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurotransmitter systems, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, and inflammatory pathways are explored in this review. We aim to explore drug-based therapeutics, outlining the shortcomings of current treatments, such as delayed efficacy and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Additionally, the existing medication often has side effects, and the unclear guidelines on which drugs to prioritize for particular cases hinder the effective use of antidepressants. Groundbreaking drug delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, intranasal administration, and non-invasive procedures including focused ultrasound (FUS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), are outlined as promising strategies to enhance drug bioavailability and target-specific brain regions, often by overcoming the blood–brain barrier (BBB), thereby achieving improved therapeutic outcomes. By emphasizing nanotechnology and biomarker diagnostics, the review presents these tools as transformative technologies in depression treatment, paving the way for personalized treatments, provided that challenges, including nanoparticle biocompatibility and scalable manufacturing, are addressed. Additionally, this review offers an integrative perspective by connecting neurobiological mechanisms with innovative drug delivery and diagnostic technologies, providing a conceptual framework for future personalized antidepressant strategies. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Style	Citing Format
MLA	Ahmadnia H, et al.. "Neurobiological Mechanisms and Recent Advances in Drug-Based Therapeutics in Depression." Neuroscience, vol. 590, no. , 2025, pp. 120-142.
APA	Ahmadnia H, Abdollahzadeh R, Hatami H, Masoumi S, Moezzi SMI, Shahsavari K, Khanavi M, Yazarlu O, Tohidy Majd M, Hasanpour M (2025). Neurobiological Mechanisms and Recent Advances in Drug-Based Therapeutics in Depression. Neuroscience, 590(), 120-142.
Chicago	Ahmadnia H, Abdollahzadeh R, Hatami H, Masoumi S, Moezzi SMI, Shahsavari K, Khanavi M, Yazarlu O, Tohidy Majd M, Hasanpour M. "Neurobiological Mechanisms and Recent Advances in Drug-Based Therapeutics in Depression." Neuroscience 590, no. (2025): 120-142.
Harvard	Ahmadnia H et al. (2025) 'Neurobiological Mechanisms and Recent Advances in Drug-Based Therapeutics in Depression', Neuroscience, 590(), pp. 120-142.
Vancouver	Ahmadnia H, Abdollahzadeh R, Hatami H, Masoumi S, Moezzi SMI, Shahsavari K, et al.. Neurobiological Mechanisms and Recent Advances in Drug-Based Therapeutics in Depression. Neuroscience. 2025;590():120-142.
BibTex	@article{ author = {Ahmadnia H and Abdollahzadeh R and Hatami H and Masoumi S and Moezzi SMI and Shahsavari K and Khanavi M and Yazarlu O and Tohidy Majd M and Hasanpour M}, title = {Neurobiological Mechanisms and Recent Advances in Drug-Based Therapeutics in Depression}, journal = {Neuroscience}, volume = {590}, number = {}, pages = {120-142}, year = {2025} }
RIS	TY - JOUR AU - Ahmadnia H AU - Abdollahzadeh R AU - Hatami H AU - Masoumi S AU - Moezzi SMI AU - Shahsavari K AU - Khanavi M AU - Yazarlu O AU - Tohidy Majd M AU - Hasanpour M TI - Neurobiological Mechanisms and Recent Advances in Drug-Based Therapeutics in Depression JO - Neuroscience VL - 590 IS - SP - 120 EP - 142 PY - 2025 ER -

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