Molecular Mechanisms and Pathophysiology of Anxiety and Depression: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis (1960–2023)

Introduction: Anxiety and depressive disorders are prevalent mental health conditions with complex molecular underpinnings. Objectives: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of molecular research in anxiety and depression from 1960 to 2023. Material and Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using data from Web of Science and Scopus databases. The study employed various bibliometric techniques, including performance analysis, science mapping, and network analysis. Results: The analysis revealed 7791 relevant documents from 2237 sources, with an annual growth rate of 9.54%. The United States emerged as the leading contributor, with the University of California being the most common affiliation. Key research themes included brain function, depression mechanisms, and gene expression, with an emerging focus on inflammatory pathways. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis highlights the evolution and current state of molecular research in anxiety and depression, identifying key trends, collaborations, and potential areas for future investigation.