ALTERAÇÕES NEUROQUÍMICAS EM TRANSTORNOS DE HUMOR: NOVAS DESCOBERTAS

Abstract

Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, are complex psychiatric conditions that affect emotional regulation. Traditionally, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine have been identified as the main neurotransmitters involved in these disorders. However, new discoveries indicate that factors such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, imbalance in the GABA-glutamate systems, and the gut microbiota also play a crucial role. This article explores the pathophysiological mechanisms of these diseases, addressing the role of monoamines, dysfunctions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, inflammatory processes, and changes in dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission. Furthermore, it discusses the influence of mood fluctuations on cognition, behavior, and individual well-being. The study also analyzes the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in the management of mood disorders, including changes in diet, physical activity, cognitive-behavioral therapy, brain stimulation, and regulation of the gut-brain axis. These strategies emerge as promising alternatives to complement or, in some cases, replace conventional treatments, providing better quality of life for patients. Thus, the neurochemistry of mood disorders remains an area of intense research, with promising implications for the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.