3 Studies on Major Depressive Disorder: Physical, Pharmacologic, and Neuromodulatory Interventions Explored

The 3 recent studies reviewed here explore some of the primary interventions in wide use for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and their efficacy. MDD is estimated to affect more than 21 million US adults, roughly 8.4% of the population aged 18 years and older.¹ Research shows, however, that nearly half of those with MDD are not receiving treatment¹ and of those who are being treated, approximately one-third have treatment resistant disease.²

Among the findings reported across these 3 studies are a 33% to 43% reduction in onset of MDD among people who engaged in cognitive behavioral therapy, the superiority of electroconvulsive therapy to other neurmodulatory interventions for treatment resistant depression, and the comparative effects of different types of exercise on clinical depression and outcomes by demographics. Links are provided to the full papers for each for additional reading.

References
1. Depression facts and statistics. Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Updated November 3, 2023. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression/facts-statistics
2. Zhdanava M, Pilon D, Ghelerter I, et al. The prevalence and national burden of treatment resistant depression and major depressive disorder in the United States. J Clin Psychiatr. 2021;82(2):20m13699. doi:10.4088/JCP.20m13699