Depression

Research

Mayo Clinic has made a number of important contributions to research on depression, especially depression in relation to other medical problems, psychiatric disorders or addictions. Mayo researchers also have contributed to new developments in electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment.

Mayo scientists developed a blood test, the cytochrome P450 test, to help pinpoint genetic factors that play a role in a patient's response to most antidepressant medications. This information helps doctors understand which medications work more effectively for one patient versus another and which should be avoided based on how a person's body metabolizes (breaks down) drugs.

Mayo scientists in Florida are currently developing new chemical compounds that could be used to create new antidepressant drugs.

Mayo is constantly conducting clinical trials to improve the diagnosis and treatment of depression. Upcoming research projects include the use deep brain stimulation to treat psychiatric illnesses such as depression.

Read more about psychiatry and psychology research at Mayo Clinic.

Publications

See a list of publications on depression by Mayo Clinic physicians and researchers on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.

See a list of publications on electroconvulsive therapy and depression by Mayo Clinic physicians and researchers on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.