Reconceptualising depression along the endogeneus-reactive spectrum: are different genes involved in depression depending on presence vs absence of exposure to stress?

TL;DR

This paper explores how different genes may be involved in depression depending on whether it is caused by stress or not, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution

The paper introduces a new perspective on depression subtypes based on genetic differences influenced by stress exposure.

Findings

Depression subtypes may have distinct genetic and neurobiological backgrounds.

Different types of stress contribute to depression in varying ways.

Conceptualizing depression along an endogenous-reactive spectrum could improve treatment approaches.

Abstract

Depression is a complex and highly heterogeneous disorder with an omnigenic and multifactorial background. This diversity is obvious not only in its symptomatic manifestation but also in its neurobiological underpinnings which is one potential factor contributing to the high observed rate of treatment resistance. Thus, subtyping depressions, understanding their distinct neurobiological and genetic background, and potentially developing biomarkers aiding their differential diagnosis may bring us one step closer to more effective treatment. The present talk will overview the different etiological factors contributing to the emergence of depression along an endogenous-reactive continuum, the contributory roles of different types of stress, different genes involved in distinct processes, and the potential consequences of conceptualising, diagnosing and treating depressions developing in the context or independently of current stress.

None Declared