Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a global health concern. Despite its high prevalence, current treatments do not lead to remission in about a third of patients. Chronic low-grade inflammation, found in over a quarter of MDD patients, may contribute to poorer therapy outcomes. It impacts symptoms such as anhedonia (reduced motivation and pleasure) and psychomotor retardation (slowed movement), potentially due to its effects on the brain's dopamine system. Our study will analyze immune networks and dopaminergic regulation in unmedicated MDD patients and healthy controls, and explore their impact on anhedonia and psychomotor retardation.
This study aims to provide deeper insights into the cellular and molecular immune mechanisms contributing to these symptoms in MDD. Our findings could foster the identification of novel biomarkers and pave the way for future therapeutic strategies for high-risk MDD patients with chronic inflammation, often characterized by a chronic course and treatment resistance.

Further information: 
https://psychiatrie.charite.de/metas/person/person/address_detail/dr_med_woo_ri_chae/
https://www.charite.de/service/klinische_studien_detail/item/studien_detail/motivade/