Pathophysiology of mood disorders and mechanisms of action of antidepressants and mood stabilizers

Abstract

The present chapter summarizes information on the pathophysiology of mood disorders and mechanisms of action of antidepressants and mood stabilizers with focus on an endocannabinoid regulation of monoamines in depression and bipolar disorder. Leading role in neurochemistry and pathophysiology of mood disorders could be awarded to disturbed monoamine neurotransmission, dysfunction in energy metabolism of neurons, modulation of inflammatory and neuroendocrine pathways, and changes in activities of transcription factors, neurotrophic factors and other components involved in neuroplasticity. A role of endocannabinoid system in pathophysiology of mood disorders is supposed, but little known. In the light of new findings, there is potential for pharmacological regulation of endocannabinoid system in treatment of depressive and bipolar disorder.