Major Depressive Disorder: Diagnosis-Neurobiology & Treatment Explained
In Episode 2.8 of Psychiatry Boot Camp, we take a comprehensive look at depressive disorders, one of the most prevalent and burdensome psychiatric conditions worldwide.
Leading this masterclass is renowned mood disorder expert Dr. Roger McIntyre, Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto and Head of the Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit at University Health Network in Toronto, Canada. Dr. McIntyre is one of the most highly cited researchers globally in the area of depression and mood regulation.
🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✔️ The difference between everyday sadness and clinically significant depression
✔️ Diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and related disorders
✔️ A review of DSM-5-TR specifiers (e.g., melancholic, atypical, anxious distress)
✔️ Insights into the historical evolution of depression subtypes
✔️ Epidemiological data on global prevalence, gender disparities, and onset patterns
✔️ The role of neurotransmitters, inflammation, and brain circuits in depressive disorders
✔️ Evidence-based pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment approaches
✔️ The importance of personalized care plans and collaborative decision-making
📌 Why This Episode Matters:
Depressive disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide, yet they are often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, or mismanaged. This episode empowers clinicians and trainees with the tools to:
Make more accurate and meaningful psychiatric diagnoses
Understand the mechanistic complexity of depressive illness
Stay up-to-date with cutting-edge treatment modalities, including neuromodulation and future drug development
Help patients regain functioning and reduce relapse risk through evidence-based care
🧬 Key Neurobiological Concepts Covered:
• Monoamine hypothesis vs. newer integrative models
• Brain circuit involvement: prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus
• The role of inflammation and neuroplasticity
• Cognitive and motivational symptoms tied to dopaminergic dysfunction
🩺 Treatment Topics Explored:
• First-line treatments: SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, mirtazapine
• When to consider augmentation strategies or switching medications
• Role of psychotherapy, exercise, sleep regulation, and lifestyle change
• Ketamine, esketamine, and emerging rapid-acting antidepressants
• Overview of neuromodulation options (ECT, rTMS, VNS)
• Challenges in treatment-resistant depression and recurrent illness
👨⚕️ About Dr. Roger McIntyre:
• Professor, University of Toronto
• Head of Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, UHN
• One of the world’s top researchers in psychiatry by Clarivate Analytics
• Leading global voice in translational neuroscience and mood disorder innovation
Dr. McIntyre bridges the gap between research and practice, making this episode highly valuable for both experienced clinicians and psychiatry learners.
🎯 Who Should Watch This Episode:
• Psychiatry residents, interns, and fellows
• Primary care physicians and family doctors
• Psychologists, nurse practitioners, and behavioral health specialists
• Students preparing for board exams (ABPN, USMLE)
• Anyone looking to better understand depression from a clinical and biological lens
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💬 Comment Prompt:
How do you approach depression subtypes in your practice? Have you explored augmentation strategies or non-traditional interventions?
📌 Timestamps (Suggested Layout):
00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Roger McIntyre
03:20 – Defining Clinical Depression vs. Low Mood
07:00 – Epidemiology & Impact
10:30 – DSM Specifiers and Historical Subtypes
15:20 – Neurobiology: Monoamines, Inflammation, Brain Circuits
19:00 – Treatment Foundations: SSRIs, SNRIs, Psychotherapy
24:45 – Emerging Therapies and TRD Approaches
29:00 – Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
#Depression #MajorDepressiveDisorder #RogerMcIntyre #MentalHealth #PsychiatryEducation #Psychopharmacology #DepressiveDisorders #ResidentTraining #MoodDisorders #ClinicalPsychiatry #BeatTheBoards #SimplePractice #CME #PsychiatryBootCamp
