New study uncovers treatment-resistant cognitive subtype of depression, challenging traditional medication approaches
The study analyzed over 1,000 adults in a clinical trial to restore serotonin levels for treatment
PTC News Desk: A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Stanford University has unveiled a previously unidentified category of depression that affects approximately 27 percent of diagnosed individuals. According to a report in the New York Post, this new type of depression, referred to as the "cognitive subtype," exhibits unique characteristics that closely resemble those of attention deficit disorders.
The study revealed that individuals with this cognitive subtype of depression often struggle with limited self-control, have difficulty planning ahead, find it challenging to maintain focus amidst distractions, and face problems suppressing inappropriate behavior.
Disturbingly, researchers also found that this specific form of depression does not respond effectively to standard antidepressant medications commonly used to target serotonin levels in the brain.
Lead author Leanne Williams emphasized the need for a new approach in treating this cognitive subtype, acknowledging the current trial-and-error process and the urgency to provide more effective solutions to patients. Williams stated that while depression manifests differently in various individuals, identifying commonalities, such as shared profiles of brain function, can aid medical professionals in tailoring personalized care for patients.
The study involved a randomized clinical trial comprising over 1,000 adults who received treatment aimed at rebalancing serotonin levels, a factor believed to contribute to depression by many researchers. Astonishingly, only 38 percent of individuals diagnosed with the cognitive subtype experienced remission of symptoms, compared to nearly 48 percent without this subtype.
The researchers assert that this discovery marks the first instance of a "clinically actionable cognitive biotype of depression." Their findings not only highlight the interplay between cognitive function and depression but also suggest that cognitive decline can contribute to the development of depression, expanding our understanding of this complex mental health condition.
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