Advances in discerning the mechanisms underlying depression and resiliency: relation to the neurobiology of stress and the effects of antidepressants

Abstract

Depression denotes a dysregulated stress response with significant mental and health implications. This review examines the neurobiological mechanisms underlying depression and resilience, focusing on how stress mediators influence vulnerability to severe stressors contrasted with resilience. We analyze structural and functional alterations in key brain regions, genetic factors, and potential therapeutic interventions. Understanding these mechanisms offers insights into preventing depression onset instead of solely treating its manifestations.