Are Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Clinically Suitable for the Treatment of Symptoms in Depression-Associated Inflammation?

Abstract

The aetiology and pathophysiology of depression have long been associated with inflammation, at least in a proportion of patients. Altered cytokine activity in the periphery and in the brain has brought support to a concept of depression-associated inflammation. However, these immunological changes - and inflammation in particular - in depression have only been recently targeted for treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been proposed to be of clinical use in the treatment of depression either as monotherapy or as adjuncts in combination with antidepressants. Specifically, selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and non-selective COX inhibitor NSAIDs as adjuncts or monothera..