Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a disease whose course is often chronic because the prevalence of recurrence is high. Therefore, it is important to know the risk factors of relapse (number of previous episodes, persistence of residual depressive symptoms…). Moreover, identifying factors of vulnerability of the disease may help to detect very-high-risk subjects in order to prevent the disease onset. Many hypothesis are explored: serotonin dysfunction, axis of stress, alteration of brain structures. Finally, antidepressant treatment is a protective factor and is efficient to limit the risk of chronicity.
Copyright © 2010 L'Encéphale. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.
MeSH terms
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Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
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Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
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Brain / drug effects
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Brain / physiopathology
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Chronic Disease
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Cross-Sectional Studies
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Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis
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Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy*
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Depressive Disorder, Major / physiopathology
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Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
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Hippocampus / drug effects
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Hippocampus / physiopathology
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Humans
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Hydrocortisone / blood
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Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / drug effects
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Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology
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Life Change Events
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Long-Term Care
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Pituitary-Adrenal System / drug effects
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Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiopathology
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Risk Factors
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Secondary Prevention
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Serotonin / physiology
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Social Environment
Substances
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Antidepressive Agents
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Serotonin
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Hydrocortisone