Research indicates that between 20% and 30% of individuals with depression may experience a specific type characterized by low-grade inflammation and metabolic changes, known as immunometabolic depression.
For a long time, depression was viewed as a singular disorder, primarily attributed to imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. While this perspective remains relevant, it fails to encompass the full range of clinical presentations observed in practice. Recent evidence suggests that in a significant portion of cases, inflammatory and metabolic processes play a central role in both the development and persistence of depressive symptoms.
Between 20% and 30% of individuals with depression exhibit a specific profile characterized by low-grade inflammation and metabolic alterations. This subtype, referred to as immunometabolic depression, offers insight into why some patients do not respond well to traditional antidepressants and continue to experience persistent symptoms despite treatment. This estimation emerges from a review published in Nature Mental Health, underscoring a shift in scientific understanding of depression.
This new perspective advocates for a more nuanced approach to diagnosis and treatment, recognizing that the underlying mechanisms of depression may vary significantly among patients. As researchers continue to unpack the complexities of depression, integrating an understanding of metabolic and inflammatory factors could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies.
