Abstract

EXPLORING NON-ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATIONS: A NOVEL APPROACH TO TREATING MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Gurvir Singh*, Jasleen Kaur, Lokesh, Purva Gupta, Avneet Kaur, Harpreet Kaur, Kajal Rani

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Abstract

Depression, a complex and widespread mental health disorder, often persists beyond the resolution of external triggers and can occur without any apparent cause. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is diagnosed when a significant shift in mood—such as prolonged sadness or irritability—occurs, accompanied by physical and emotional symptoms like sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and thoughts of suicide. These symptoms must last for at least two weeks and cause significant disruption to daily life. While over 12% of men and 20% of women in the U.S. experience depression, there is considerable variation in its course, response to treatment, and underlying mechanisms. Recent research suggests that depression is heterogeneous, with both biological and psychosocial components contributing to its onset. Traditional antidepressants have limitations, such as side effects and delayed therapeutic response, leading to increased interest in drug repurposing and alternative treatment strategies. Exploring non-antidepressant medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antihypertensives, and CNS stimulants, offers new avenues for treating depression, particularly in cases of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This review discusses current approaches to understanding the biological mechanisms of depression and the potential for novel therapeutic options through drug repurposing.

Keywords: Major depressive disorder, drug repurposing, treatment-resistant depression, non-antidepressant medications, inflammation.