Important clinical issues as the outcome of long term treatment with
antidepressants, the time of onset of the antidepressant response and
the limitations of the antidepressants currently available are covered
in this monograph. Leading researchers in the area of clinical and
experimental psychopharmacology critically assess the progress in their
specialist fields. The mechanisms of action of antidepressants are
considered, followed by clinical research into the role of the
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the immune system in the biology
of depression and in response to treatment. The final chapter deals with
the important chemical entities now undergoing development as
antidepressants. The purpose of this monograph is not only to inform but
also to stimulate research into the biology of depression and the
mechanisms behind the action of effective antidepressants.
This monograph is of interest to psychiatrists, psychologists,
pharmacologists, neuroscientists and endocrinologists.