The Effectiveness of Combined Treatment of Gene Therapy and Antidepressants: Resistant Depression
N. Russ1, A. Assahouri2, D. Le3, J. Chung4, L. A. Bernardino5, G. Giove6, R. Harp7, N. Settaboupha8,S. Pendyala 9, D. Kommineni10
1Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 2University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 3Alphraretta High School, Alpharetta, GA, 4University of California
Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 5Arcadia High School, Arcadia, CA6 North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC,
7Evergreen Valley High School, San Jose, CA, 8Crestwood High School, Dearborn Heights, MI, 9Lightride High School, Aldie, VA,
Objectives
To determine whether the combination of gene therapy and antidepressants provides a more effective treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression by analyzing current literature and citation trends.
Background
Treatment-resistant depression, also known as TRD, presents a significant clinical obstacle. Patients with TRD often go through constant symptoms that interfere with their daily functioning and relationships and do not respond to various antidepressant treatments.. There are very limited options for many since traditional therapies by themselves are shown to be frequently insufficient. Due to this, research shows that gene therapy may be an innovative, alternative solution. Gene therapy targets the genetic foundation of depression. Unlike conventional therapies (which target the neurotransmitters), gene therapy addresses the genetic and root causes of it. This approach shows a more targeted and long-term solution to the problem by modifying the specific expressions of genes. Scientists and researchers are now investigating the combined use of gene therapy and antidepressants, which may reveal a more effective form of treatment strategy. This combination may offer a more holistic treatment approach, potentially improving TRD.
Methods
Data were collected from the Web of Science Platform and Google Scholar, then compiled in a shared Google spreadsheet. After determining article eligibility, bibliometric analysis was conducted in RStudio (Version 4.5.1) using the Bibliometrix package. Figures 1–5 were constructed using Microsoft Excel based on trends found surrounding gene therapy and antidepressant treatments for resistant depression.
Results
From the data and figures gathered, there is evidence to support that there were detectable levels of improvement in overall depressive symptoms, resulting in significant self‐assessed improvement in well‐being. When individuals took a survey, the Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) demonstrated about a 35% improvement from their overall score. In other words, the combination of gene therapy as well as targeted antidepressants supports the notion of more modest improvements in symptom severity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on the results and analysis obtained using R Programming language as well as the Bibliometrix package it was determined that a combined treatment regime can be beneficial with those with treatment resistant depression. Further research is needed to address more specific and steadfast approaches to the combination of gene therapy and medication, since this approach is relatively novel. However, the results are promising that a combination of treatments is a proactive option for long term care.
