Why Can’t We Find an Antidepressant That Really Works?

February 3, 2026

TL;DR

Antidepressant treatment often involves a prolonged trial-and-error process, with many patients not responding to initial medications.
The "monoamine deficiency hypothesis," suggesting mood disorders stem from neurotransmitter imbalances like serotonin, is increasingly viewed as incomplete.
Ketamine is emerging as a rapid-acting treatment for treatment-resistant depression, challenging traditional theories about depression's underlying mechanisms.
Precision psychiatry aims to personalize depression treatment by considering individual biological, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Developing diagnostic tools, like blood tests, and leveraging technology are key to improving the accuracy and efficacy of depression treatment.

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