Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition often triggered or exacerbated by stressful events. While pharmacological treatments for MDD are widely used, many patients exhibit inadequate responses or experience significant side effects from antidepressants. Non-pharmacological interventions have gained attention for their potential to effectively manage MDD with improved tolerability.This review aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of novel non-pharmacological, cell-based strategies, alongside other non-pharmacological approaches, for the treatment of stress-induced depression.
Methods: The review examines existing literature on non-pharmacological interventions, focusing on cell-based therapies such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and mitochondrial transfer. Additional strategies, including plasma therapy, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and exercise therapy, are explored through their applications in in vitro and in vivo experimental disease models.
Results: Cell-based therapies, including MSC-derived EVs, miRNAs, and mitochondrial transfer, show promise in modulating depressive pathophysiology. Plasma therapy, tDCS, TMS, and exercise therapy also demonstrate potential in alleviating MDD symptoms, with varying degrees of efficacy reported in preclinical and clinical studies. These approaches offer alternative mechanisms to traditional antidepressants, potentially reducing side effects.
Conclusion: Non-pharmacological strategies, particularly cell-based therapies, represent promising avenues for MDD treatment. However, further research is needed to elucidate their mechanisms, optimize therapeutic protocols, and establish clinical efficacy and safety. The integration of these novel approaches with existing treatments may enhance outcomes for patients with stress-induced depression.