DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS: PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT BASED ON NEUROCHEMISTRY

Abstract

The development of antidepressants is a fundamental area of ​​research in pharmacology, seeking to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of depressive disorders. This approach is based on an understanding of brain neurochemistry, with a focus on neurotransmitters and neuronal signaling systems associated with mood and emotional well-being. Over the past few decades, significant advances have been made in identifying pharmacological targets and developing more effective and tolerable medications for the treatment of depression. Objective: Critically examine recent studies on the development of antidepressants, with an emphasis on pharmacological management based on neurochemistry. It aims to analyze the most recent advances, identify gaps in current research, and provide insights for future directions in the field. Methodology: The methodology adopted followed the guidelines of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were searched, using the descriptors "antidepressants", "neurochemistry", "development", "treatment" and "depression". The inclusion criteria were: studies published in the last 10 years, focused on the development of antidepressants and the underlying neurochemistry, available in full text and written in English or Portuguese. The exclusion criteria were: studies unrelated to the topic, duplicate studies and studies without relevance to the objective of the review. Results: The results highlighted recent advances in understanding the neurochemical mechanisms of depression and the development of novel antidepressants, including modulators of alternative neurotransmitter systems and agents that target intracellular signaling pathways. The review also identified gaps in research, such as the need for broader studies into the efficacy and safety of new medicines, as well as the exploration of more personalized therapeutic approaches. Conclusion: Neurochemistry-based antidepressant development continues to be an ever-evolving field, with the potential to significantly transform the treatment of depression. The integration of advanced knowledge in neuroscience and pharmacology is essential to drive future progress and improve the quality of life of patients affected by depressive disorders.