Emerging role of the P2X7-NLRP3-IL1 β pathway in mood disorders

It is now well established that mood disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) show high lifetime prevalence rates resulting in significant impact on quality of life to patients and their families (Hirschfeld, 2012). This is compounded by the negative social stigma associated with mental health, resulting in delayed medical assistance, causing debilitating neuropsychological conditions, sometimes leading to suicidal ideation and death. When patients with mood disorders do seek medical attention, a large proportion of the patient pool either do not respond adequately or with only a very limited response to current medications; as such, less than ideal improvements in quality of life accompanied by side effect burden reduces the motivation for patients to maintain the treatment regimen for a sufficient time.
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research