This paper describes the large heterogeneity of depression. The awareness that depression can be accompanied with immune and metabolic dysregulations opens the possibility to prevent or treat depression with novel interventions that target inflammation, metabolism or lifestyle.
Depression is a common, disabling mental disorder but with extensive heterogeneity in etiology. This review describes that immuno-metabolic dysregulations are present in about 20–30% of people with depression. Such immuno-metabolic depression is characterized by the clustering of 1) atypical, energy-related depressive symptoms such as fatigue, increased appetite or sleep, and possibly anhedonia, 2) systemic low-grade inflammation, and 3) metabolic abnormalities involving e.g., obesity and lipid dysregulations. Persons with immuno-metabolic depression are at a higher risk for cardiometabolic diseases and seem to respond less well to standard antidepressant treatment. Interventions targeting inflammation, metabolism or lifestyle may be more effective treatment options.
Overview of the three key components of Immuno-Metabolic Depression (IMD).
Immuno-metabolic depression: from concept to implementation
Penninx, B.W.J.H., Lamers, F., Jansen, R., Berk, M., Khandaker, G. M., de Picker, L., & Milaneschi, Y.
The Lancet Regional Health – Europe 2025;48: 101166
