Integrative Approaches to Depression: Pharmacological And Herbal Perspectives

Abstract:

Depression is a multifactorial mental health disorder that significantly affects individuals worldwide, leading to psychological distress, social impairment, and economic burden. It is influenced by genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, with dysregulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine playing a crucial role in its pathophysiology. Various subtypes of depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar depression, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), manifest with distinct clinical presentations. Treatment approaches for depression encompass pharmacological therapies, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and alternative medicine. Pharmacological treatments primarily involve selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Additionally, emerging treatments like ketamine and neuromodulation techniques are being explored for treatment-resistant depression. Medicinal plants have gained attention as potential alternatives or adjuncts to conventional antidepressant therapy. Several herbs, including Hypericum perforatum, Withania somnifera, Rhodiola rosea, Crocus sativus, Panax ginseng, Bacopa monnieri, Lavandula angustifolia and Curcuma longa exhibit antidepressant properties by modulating neurotransmitters, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of depression, its classification, etiology, clinical presentation, and available treatment modalities, with a particular focus on the pharmacognostic properties of medicinal plants used in its management. By integrating conventional and alternative approaches, this study highlights the potential of herbal medicine in providing a holistic strategy for combating depression. Keywords: Depression, Health, Factors, Pharmacogenetic, Treatments.

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