Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. The underlying molecular pathogenesis of depressive disorders and the mode of action of antidepressants still remain inadequately understood. The effects of antidepressants have mainly been attributed to modulation of monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems. A large number of patients however do not respond to antidepressant treatment. Electroconvulsive treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation and the anesthetic ketamine have emerged as alternative treatment strategies for patients with treatment refractory depression. An in-depth understanding of signaling pathways that are modulated by these interventions may help identify specific targets and thereby aid the development of more efficacious treatments.

We welcome studies which evaluate the disease mechanisms of depressive disorders or studies which investigate the molecular targets of antidepressants, electroconvulsive treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation or ketamine.

Keywords: Depression, treatment refractory depression, antidepressants, electroconvulsive treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation, ketamine