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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Depression: A comprehensive review of pathophysiology, epidemiology, types and management
Authors
Geetha K S, Pooja K M, Tejaswini S M, Pratap Gouda A P, Karegowdra Kavya
Abstract
Depression is one of the most common and disabling mental disorders
worldwide and represents a major public health concern. It is characterized by
persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, reduced energy and
disturbances in sleep, appetite and cognitive function. According to the World
Health Organization, depression is a leading cause of disability and
contributes significantly to global disease burden and suicide mortality. The
aetiology of depression is complex and involves interactions between genetic,
biological, psychological and environmental factors. Several hypotheses explain
its pathophysiology, including the monoamine hypothesis, inflammatory
hypothesis, endocrine dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis,
neurotrophic alterations involving brain-derived neurotrophic factor and
imbalance of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. Structural and
functional changes in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus
and amygdala are also associated with depression. Management strategies include
antidepressant medications, psychotherapy and emerging treatments such as
ketamine therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation. This review summarizes
the epidemiology, mechanisms, types and current management approaches of
depression.
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Pages:58-71
How to cite this article:
Geetha K S, Pooja K M, Tejaswini S M, Pratap Gouda A P, Karegowdra Kavya "Depression: A comprehensive review of pathophysiology, epidemiology, types and management". International Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Research, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 58-71
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