Mental health update – update on depression with a focus on escitalopram

P. P. Skosana*, N. Shirindza, V. Abraham

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Depression is one of the heterogenous diseases included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), published by the World Health Organization (WHO). Depression affects more than 300 million people globally. Almost 10% of the total burden of disease in sub-Saharan Africa is attributed to neuropsychiatric disorders, with depression disorders being the most diagnosed. Symptoms may include feelings of worthlessness, concentration and sleep difficulties, and suicidal ideation. There are different types of depression, with major depression being the most prevalent. The potential pathogenesis has been explored in various research, and it encompasses hypotheses from different angles such as genetics, neurotransmitters and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, among other contributing factors. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are effective for depression, however, antidepressant drugs (ADs) remain the primary treatment, particularly the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), for example escitalopram. Untreated depression can result in emotional, behavioural and physical health problems that affect every area of that individual’s life. This review article aims to summarise the hypotheses in the pathogenesis of depression and discuss its treatment, with particular focus on escitalopram.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)19-25
Number of pages7
JournalSA Pharmaceutical Journal
Volume91
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2024

Keywords

  • antidepressant therapy
  • depression
  • escitalopram
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

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