Depression is a very common disorder that is frequently associated with considerable morbidity and a much increased rate of mortality. It presents in various ways depending on a person's age, sex, and ethnic and cultural background. Recent advances have indicated that it is not a single condition. Not only do unipolar and bipolar depression require different management but the recognition of the importance of inflammation in cases of depression that are resistant to anti¬depressant medication opens up a whole new area of potential intervention. This focus issue of Cutting Edge Psychiatry in Practice draws together a wide variety of papers from international and UK authors. The topics cover a very broad range, from epidemiology, genetics and neuroim¬aging to pharmacological and non-pharmacological management. I have been pleased to be the consulting editor for this issue. I hope that such an interesting collection of papers will inspire professionals to build on the knowledge that has already been established with even greater re¬solve and to carry out further research to improve the management of this important condition.
Professor Allan H. Young
MB ChB, MPhil, PhD, FRCP (Edin), FRCPsych, FRCP(C), FRSB
Director, Centre for Affective Disorders
Department of Psychological Medicine
NIHR Senior Investigator
Academic Director Psychological Medicine and Older Adults Clinical Academic Group
Immediate Past-President of International Society for Affective Disorders
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience
King's College London