biology

Depression Stigma Declines as Research Uncovers Biological Roots, ⁢Potential ⁢New Treatments

São Paulo, brazil – November​ 16, 2025 -‍ A shift in societal⁢ understanding and groundbreaking ⁤research are converging to ⁢offer​ new hope in ‍the fight against depression, according to leading psychiatrist Philip Gold. Speaking recently, Gold highlighted a growing acceptance of depression as a ​legitimate illness, coupled with increasingly​ complex insights into its biological⁢ underpinnings and potential ⁣for targeted treatment.

For years, depression carried a‍ heavy stigma, often dismissed as a‌ personal failing ⁤rather then a medical condition. ⁣Gold notes‍ this is ⁤changing,⁤ driven in part by increased public⁢ discussion and a deeper understanding ⁣of the complex factors contributing to the illness. However, he emphasizes that simply acknowledging the problem isn’t enough; addressing the⁣ root causes is crucial.

“Keeping feelings⁣ at bay‍ prevents us from making peace with suffering and going through the healing​ process ⁢of‍ grappling with sadness,” Gold explains. He further⁤ points to the detrimental effects of​ avoiding anger and harboring shame about imperfection, ⁢identifying these as contributing factors to depressive illness.

Gold’s own‍ journey overcoming perfectionism informed his approach to⁤ therapy. “perfectionism makes patients feel ashamed of what they think is a failure. ⁤I felt that ‍way too, I⁣ couldn’t make ‌mistakes,” ⁣he shared,​ adding that ​learning to embrace imperfection and learn from mistakes was key to becoming a more effective clinician.”By dealing with this perfectionism for years, I started to have ‌a more realistic view ⁢of myself, trying to learn from my mistakes, from people and from ​the world around me.”

Current research ⁤is increasingly focused on the interplay between trauma, genetics, and emotional vulnerability. While acknowledging there’s no single “genetic sentence” for depression, ​Gold stresses that genes play a significant role in predicting an​ individual’s susceptibility. he believes genetic studies represent the future‍ of depression treatment, potentially⁤ involving testing for abnormalities in key genes like CRH (corticotropin-releasing ⁤hormone), central to the body’s stress‌ response, and‌ BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), essential for neuron survival and growth.

Research indicates that heightened CRH activity is ⁤linked to ⁤symptoms like ‌anxiety and fear-related behaviors, while low levels of BDNF correlate⁢ with impaired brain ⁢plasticity and a reduction in neuronal connections. Importantly,‍ studies have shown BDNF deficiency is frequently ‌enough triggered by stress. Gold believes pharmacological interventions‌ targeting BDNF hold significant⁣ promise,though developing an ​effective oral compound remains a challenge due to its breakdown in the intestinal ⁢tract.

Beyond traditional pharmacology, Gold⁢ is enthusiastic ⁤about the‌ potential of emerging therapies. He points to robust evidence demonstrating the positive effects of psychedelics on⁤ activating the ‍BDNF system,advocating for their careful use alongside psychotherapy as ⁤a potentially impactful‍ treatment. ‌ The recent finding of ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects is‍ also hailed by Gold ‌as a landmark event, providing crucial insights into the role of the neurotransmitter glutamate in ⁢depression, despite acknowledging risks like diminishing responses over time.

“A wholly new era⁤ has begun in terms of our understanding of depressive illness, in ⁤which the⁤ most significant ⁣targets for ⁢its rapid and effective treatment are being identified,” Gold concludes, expressing optimism about the future of depression⁤ research ⁢and treatment.