How three different theories of depression converge at inflammation

Three main theories of depression have been developed: the monoamine, plasticity and inflammation theories. While each theory has been bolstered by decades of excellent scientific evidence, individually each idea falls short for developing universally effective treatments for depression. In this perspective, we present the history and development of each theory and discuss the therapies that follow each hypothesis. We provide a unique perspective by highlighting the historical evolution, clinical implications, and the nexus between the three hypotheses. We emphasise how the theories are mutually inclusive and influence one another and are smaller parts of a larger puzzle. We suggest that future therapies should involve all three: ze: monoamines, plasticity and inflammation.

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Publication Details

Journal
Discover Mental Health
Published
2025-12-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-025-00312-4
Primary Topic
Tryptophan and brain disorders
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

How three different theories of depression converge at inflammation

Beatrice Baumberger, Lauren Batey, P. Hashemi
Discover Mental Health
Tryptophan and brain disorders
article

How three different theories of depression converge at inflammation

Beatrice Baumberger, Lauren Batey, P. Hashemi
article en

Abstract

Three main theories of depression have been developed: the monoamine, plasticity and inflammation theories. While each theory has been bolstered by decades of excellent scientific evidence, individually each idea falls short for developing universally effective treatments for depression. In this perspective, we present the history and development of each theory and discuss the therapies that follow each hypothesis. We provide a unique perspective by highlighting the historical evolution, clinical implications, and the nexus between the three hypotheses. We emphasise how the theories are mutually inclusive and influence one another and are smaller parts of a larger puzzle. We suggest that future therapies should involve all three: ze: monoamines, plasticity and inflammation.

Discover Mental HealthVol. 5(1)
Imperial College London (GB)
Openalex Percentile: Top 48%
Tryptophan and brain disorders
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