Harnessing Neural Resiliency: A Comprehensive Review of Emerging Neuroplasticity Promoters and Their Clinical Efficacy in Depression Management
JOURNAL OF ADVANCE AND FUTURE RESEARCH April 1, 2026 Ashish Yadav, Ravina Yadav
Depression involves impaired brain neuroplasticity, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key marker of this process. A meta-analysis of 20 studies with 1504 participants found that BDNF levels significantly increase after antidepressant treatment, with a moderate effect size of 0.62. Higher BDNF levels correlated with greater improvement in depression scores. Before treatment, depressed patients had markedly lower BDNF than healthy individuals; after treatment, levels improved but remained slightly lower. Chronic stress and depression are linked to neuronal atrophy in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Emerging treatments like ketamine and non-invasive brain stimulation (transcranial magnetic stimulation) may enhance neuroplasticity and offer faster relief.