An exploratory approach to the serotonergic hypothesis of depression: bridging the synaptic gap

In this exploratory review, we attempt to integrate pre and post synaptic t heories of the biochemical basis of depression-in particular with regard to 5-HT. We will be providing evidence that in major depressive disorder, the re is a continuity of dysfunction of neural function, i.e. pre and post syn aptic serotonergic symptoms are affected. Furthermore, we will also be prov iding the implications of this approach for normal treatments for depressiv e disorder. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.