Discover the cognitive biotype of depression and its implications for treatment. Uncover the challenges of traditional antidepressants and the need for personalized care.
Highlights:
A new category of depression known as the cognitive biotype has been uncovered by researchers at Stanford Medicine (1✔ ✔Trusted Source- Cognitive biotype depression affects 27% of patients and is characterized by cognitive dysfunction
- Traditional antidepressants targeting serotonin are less effective for patients with cognitive impairment
- Behavior measurement and imaging offer new avenues for diagnosing and treating depression biotypes
Stanford Medicine-led research identifies a subtype of depression
Go to source). This type of depression, which affects 27% of depressed patients, is characterized by cognitive dysfunction and is less responsive to commonly prescribed antidepressants that target serotonin. The cognitive tasks performed by these patients revealed difficulties in planning, self-control, sustained focus, and inhibiting inappropriate behavior. Additionally, brain imaging showed decreased activity in specific regions responsible for these cognitive functions. Recognizing the limitations of traditional mood-based definitions of depression, scientists are now exploring alternative treatments that target cognitive dysfunctions to alleviate symptoms and restore social and occupational abilities.
Adolescent Depression - Causes - Affects - Depressed Teens - Treatment - FAQs
Adolescent depression is an ailment that occurs during the teenage characterized by persistent melancholy, disappointment and loss of self-esteem.
Adolescent depression is an ailment that occurs during the teenage characterized by persistent melancholy, disappointment and loss of self-esteem.
‘Unlocking a new understanding of depression: the cognitive biotype. Explore the challenges of traditional antidepressants and the promise of personalized care. #DepressionResearch #MentalHealthAwareness’
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Unveiling Cognitive Biotype: A New Type of Depression
The study involved 1,008 adults with previously unmedicated major depressive disorder who were randomly assigned one of three widely prescribed antidepressants: escitalopram, sertraline, or venlafaxine-XR. Depressive symptoms were measured using surveys, and cognitive tests were conducted to assess verbal memory, working memory, decision speed, and sustained attention. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to scan participants' brain activity during a cognitive task called "GoNoGo." The results identified 27% of participants who exhibited cognitive slowing, insomnia, impaired cognitive function, and reduced activity in certain frontal brain regions, defining the cognitive biotype.Advertisement
Clinical Depression - Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment FAQ
Clinical Depression is a serious medical condition that affects majority of people at some point in their lives. Symptoms of clinical depression include sleep disorder, loss of appetite.
Clinical Depression is a serious medical condition that affects majority of people at some point in their lives. Symptoms of clinical depression include sleep disorder, loss of appetite.
Implications for Treatment and Personalized Care of Depression
The study's findings have important implications for the treatment of depression. Traditional methods of diagnosing and treating depression often rely on subjective observations and self-report measures. However, the use of cognitive tasks and imaging during treatment studies is a novel approach that offers valuable insights. By identifying depression biotypes through behavior measurement and imaging, medical professionals can tailor treatments more effectively. The researchers propose the integration of surveys and imaging as diagnostic tools to guide personalized treatment decisions. Ongoing research is exploring medications such as guanfacine, which specifically target the brain regions associated with the cognitive biotype, as well as alternative treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation and cognitive behavioral therapy.Advertisement
Depression - Symptom Evaluation
Depression occurs due to alterations in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Depression occurs due to alterations in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Paving the Way for Improved Depression Care
The cognitive biotype study sheds light on the heterogeneity of depression and highlights the need for individualized care. Current trial-and-error approaches often lead to prolonged suffering, loss of hope, and increased suicidality among individuals with depression. By expanding the understanding of depression biotypes and exploring diverse treatment options, researchers aim to revolutionize depression care. Conducting further studies with participants displaying the cognitive biotype will allow for comparisons between different medications, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Ultimately, the goal is to provide more targeted and effective treatments, transforming the current treatment landscape and offering hope to those living with depression.Reference:
- Stanford Medicine-led research identifies a subtype of depression - (https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2023/06/depression-subtype.html)
Depression � A Holistic Approach-Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
Depression is a common disorder and many worldwide suffer from depression. Early recognition of symptoms and signs of depression can help in taking a holistic approach to the management of depression.
Depression is a common disorder and many worldwide suffer from depression. Early recognition of symptoms and signs of depression can help in taking a holistic approach to the management of depression.
