Abstract

Objective. To review the progress in the research about the biological basis of depression and the more recent hypothesis about their etiology. Method. A select analysis of recent literature about the biology of depression was made. Genetical, neurochemical, inmunological and endocrinological studies were reviewed. Results. Major progress in the study of biological basis of depression took place in recent years. Childhood traumatic events can sensitize stress related neuroendocrine systems. This sensitization can induce enhanced responsiveness to stress in adult life, increasing the vulnerability for the development of anxiety and depressive disorders and predisposing to recurrence. Conclusions. A significant development towards an integrative hypothesis about the biological basis of depression was made. This hypothesis would have importance for the development of new antidepressant drugs