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World J Psychiatry. Apr 19, 2026; 16(4): 115300
Published online Apr 19, 2026. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v16.i4.115300
Published online Apr 19, 2026. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v16.i4.115300
Progress on the neurotrophic effects of antidepressant drugs
Pan Jing, Xi-Cheng Liu, Xiao-Peng Yin, Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, Zhejiang Province, China
Pan Jing, Xi-Cheng Liu, Xiao-Peng Yin, Medical Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315200, Zhejiang Province, China
Xi-Cheng Liu, Department of Psychiatry, Xiangshan Third People’s Hospital, Ningbo 315700, Zhejiang Province, China
Ye Fu, Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315040, Zhejiang Province, China
Qing Tian, Xiao-Bin Zhang, Department of Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu Province, China
Co-corresponding authors: Qing Tian and Xiao-Bin Zhang.
Author contributions: Jing P, Tian Q, and Zhang XB contributed to the conceptualization; Jing P, Liu XC, Yin XP, and Fu Y contributed to writing of the original draft; Liu XC, Yin XP, and Fu Y contributed to review and editing; Tian Q and Zhang XB contributed to the assistance in drafting the article and revising it critically for important intellectual content, and contributed equally as co-corresponding authors. All authors contributed to the article, agreed to submit it to the current journal, and approved the submitted version.
Supported by Ningbo Top Medical and Health Research Program, No. 2022030410; Zhejiang Medical and Health Science and Technology Project, No. 2023KY1126; Suzhou Clinical Medical Center for Mood Disorders, No. Szlcyxzx202109; Suzhou Key Laboratory, No. SZS2024016; and Multicenter Clinical Research on Major Diseases in Suzhou, No. DZXYJ202413.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Xiao-Bin Zhang, Department of Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, No. 11 Guangqian Road, Xiangcheng District, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu Province, China. zhangxiaobim@163.com
Received: October 15, 2025
Revised: November 17, 2025
Accepted: December 18, 2025
Published online: April 19, 2026
Processing time: 167 Days and 20.1 Hours
Revised: November 17, 2025
Accepted: December 18, 2025
Published online: April 19, 2026
Processing time: 167 Days and 20.1 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex disorder involving multiple neurotransmitters and brain regions. In patients with MDD, alterations may occur in the stability and functionality of these neural networks, extending beyond mere chemical imbalances. Antidepressants have neurotrophic effects that can enhance synaptic connections and stimulate the growth of new neurons, thus helping restore the function of neural networks. Synaptic and neurogenic enhancements induced by antidepressants require time to manifest and develop. These advances may yield more effective and safer antidepressants and improve the use of existing medications for patients with MDD.