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Despite intense ongoing research efforts, the etiology of psychiatric disorders remains incompletely understood. Among biological factors playing a role in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Anxiety Disorders (ANX), emerging evidence points to the relevance of different types of glia cells and efficient neuron-glia interactions. Here, we review recent findings highlighting the involvement of central nervous system (CNS) glia in MDD and ANX etiology and treatment response. Additionally, several relatively underexplored topics will be discussed: (1) glial response to non-pharmacological therapies, (2) impact of early life adversity on glia, (3) influence of lifestyle factors on glia in the context of MDD and ANX, and (4) monitoring glial functions in patients. It can be concluded that despite the sequence of events is still unclear, alterations in glial cell types are common and somewhat overlapping in ANX, MDD and corresponding animal models. Furthermore, glia are responsive to a variety of treatment and lifestyle options. Looking forward, new research developments can lead to novel types of therapeutic or symptom-relieving approaches targeting glia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subthreshold depression is highly prevalent in adolescence, but compared to major depressive disorder, the clinical impact is under-researched. The aim of this review was to compare subthreshold depression and major depressive disorder in adolescents by reviewing available literature on epidemiology, risk factors, illness trajectories, brain anatomy and function, genetics, and treatment response.Methods: We conducted a scoping review of papers on subthreshold depression and major depressive disorder in adolescence published in English. Studies in adults were included when research in adolescence was not available.Results: We found that individuals with subthreshold depression were similar to individuals with major depressive disorder in several regards, including female/male ratio, onset, functional impairment, comorbidity, health care utilization, suicidal ideation, genetic predisposition, brain alterations, and treatment response. Further, subthreshold depression was about two times more common than major depressive disorder.Limitations: The definition of subthreshold depression is highly variable across studies. Adolescent-specific data are limited in the areas of neurobiology and treatment.Conclusions: The findings of the current review support the idea that subthreshold depression is of clinical importance and provide evidence for a spectrum, versus categorical model, for depressive symptomatology. Given the frequency of subthreshold depression escalating to major depressive disorder, a greater recognition and awareness of the significance of subthreshold depression in research, clinical practice and policy-making may facilitate the development and application of early prevention and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]