Researchers report that targeting inflammation may offer a new way to treat depression. The study focused on people with depression who had high levels of inflammation. The team reviewed clinical trials in which participants received anti-inflammatory drugs or a placebo.
Overall, anti-inflammatory treatments reduced depressive symptoms and eased anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure. The analysis also found no increase in serious side effects among people who received the drugs.
The authors noted these drugs are not approved by the FDA to treat depression, so psychiatric use would be off-label. One co-author said the result may make immunopsychiatry more relevant and could explain earlier mixed findings when studies did not select people by inflammatory status.
Difficult words
- inflammation — body reaction that causes redness or swelling
- anhedonia — not being able to feel pleasure
- placebo — a fake medicine given in a study
- clinical trial — a medical study that tests treatmentsclinical trials
- side effect — an unwanted medical problem from a drugside effects
- immunopsychiatry — study of immune system links to mental illness
- off-label — use of a drug not officially approved
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you try an anti-inflammatory drug for depression if a doctor suggested it? Why or why not?
- Why do the authors think earlier studies had mixed findings?
- How could anhedonia change a person's daily life?
Related articles
Mental health conditions raise risk of injury
A large study in Nature Mental Health found people with mental health conditions have higher risks of self-harm, assault and unintentional injuries. The research used population records and had US federal funding and calls for better prevention.
Connie Nshemereirwe: linking science, policy and education in Africa
Connie Nshemereirwe is an educational measurement specialist and former engineer who promotes Africa-led research, better science communication and stronger ties among scientists in the global South. She also directs the Africa Science Leadership Program.
Genes linked to chronic kidney disease
Researchers led by Alejandro Chade at the University of Missouri studied genes involved in chronic kidney disease using animal models. They found genes linked to kidney damage; silencing one gene lowered fibrosis. The team will map and test gene activity.
