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Depression is a leading cause of disability and reduced work capacity worldwide. The monoamine theory of the pathogenesis of depression has remained dominant for many decades, however, drugs developed on its basis have limited efficacy. Exploring alternative mechanisms underlying this pathology could illuminate new avenues for pharmacological intervention. Targeting glutamatergic pathways in the CNS, particularly through modulation of NMDA and AMPA receptors, demonstrates promising results. This review presents some existing drugs with glutamatergic activity and novel developments based on it to enhance the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for depressive disorders.

The levels of higher fatty acids in the blood plasma and erythrocyte membranes were assessed in 25 children aged 3 to 15 years with severe traumatic lesions of the brain. The study was conducted with the purpose of deriving criteria indicative of the depth and severity of traumatic damage to the brain. The most informative parameters having diagnostic significance were established. The results of the studies performed suggest that it is advisable to include drugs containing essential fatty acids into the complex of therapeutic measures.