TDNet Discover

The connection between elevated serum inflammatory markers in patients suffering from depression has been established in numerous studies and clinical trials. Despite evidence of this connection, decreasing inflammation as a therapeutic target in the treatment of depression has not been recognized as a viable treatment approach. For this research, three independent researchers searched three databases using specific search terms and phrases related to antiinflammatories and depression. Titles and abstracts were reviewed independently against established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Final articles were then assessed and qualitatively analyzed. These methods yielded three, high quality, systematic review/meta-analyses which elucidated the therapeutic benefits of treating systemic inflammation in the context of depression/depressive symptoms. The qualitative analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between treating inflammation via various medications such as NSAIDs and cytokine inhibitors, and the reduction and remission of depression/depressive symptoms. This correlation was even stronger among those participants who started with a higher than normal baseline inflammatory level. The findings of this research support an argument for the implementation of anti-inflammatory therapy in treating depression as both a monotherapy and as an adjunct to traditional antidepressants.