Scientists may have found a completely new way to treat depression by targeting inflammation instead of brain chemistry.
A small clinical trial led by researchers at the University of Bristol suggests that targeting the immune system could help people with depression who do not improve with standard antidepressant medications. The findings, published May 20 in JAMA Psychiatry, provide early evidence that an existing anti-inflammatory drug may reduce symptoms in some patients with treatment-resistant depression.
The study examined tocilizumab, a medication commonly prescribed for immune-related conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers wanted to determine whether the drug could improve depression symptoms in people whose condition had not responded to conventional treatments.
Although the trial included only 30 participants with moderate-to-severe depression, the results indicate that people who received tocilizumab experienced improvements in depression symptoms, anxiety, fatigue, and overall quality of life compared with those who received a saltwater placebo.
Depression and Inflammation
Most current antidepressants work by affecting brain chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. However, these treatments are not effective for everyone. About one-third of people with depression fail to experience meaningful improvement with existing medications.
Growing evidence suggests that inflammation may contribute to depression in some individuals. Researchers estimate that roughly one-third of people with depression show signs of increased inflammation in blood tests, raising the possibility that an overactive immune system may play a role in their symptoms.
