Short Circuit? Advances in Our Understanding of Depression

Thomas Schwartz, MD

In this presentation, Dr. Thomas Schwartz will review emerging neurobiological mechanisms implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD) and their therapeutic implications. The program begins with a brief review of currently available monoaminergic antidepressants before examining advances in the understanding of depression pathophysiology that extend beyond traditional monoamine hypotheses. This presentation will discuss the roles of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurocircuitry, NMDA and AMPA receptor signaling, orexin pathways, serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, and dopaminergic systems in the development and treatment of depression. Dr. Schwartz will also review the biological rationale, current evidence, and clinical development of novel and investigational therapeutic approaches targeting these pathways.

Industry Session^†: Expanding Our Perspectives: Discover a Unique Treatment Option for Adults with Schizophrenia

Break

Suffer No More: Utilizing Rapid-Acting and Adjunct Strategies in the Treatment of Depression

Thomas Schwartz, MD

In this session, Dr. Thomas Schwartz will help psychiatrists apply evidence-based strategies to reduce delays in symptom relief and functional recovery for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The program begins by examining the limitations of classic monoaminergic antidepressants, including delayed onset of action, difficult-to-treat depression, and the clinical, psychological, and societal consequences of inadequately treated illness. Next, this presentation will review the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of rapid-acting and adjunctive treatment approaches for MDD. The activity will also address strategies for improving anhedonia, the role of investigational therapies, and the importance of accurate treatment nomenclature to support prescribing confidence, adherence, and stigma reduction.

Through clinically focused guidance, participants will learn how to integrate rapid-acting and adjunctive therapies into individualized treatment plans aligned with patient symptoms, goals, tolerability considerations, and quality-of-life priorities.

Industry Session^†: Conversations on Tardive Dyskinesia: Insights Into Patient Functioning and Management with Deutetrabenazine

Live Panel Q&A