title: The role of L-methylfolate in depressive disorders.
abstract: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating and often recurrent illness. An initial antidepressant trial is effective at achieving remission for approximately 30% of patients when prescribed as monotherapy, with the majority of patients returning as partial or non-responders. Switching antidepressants or adding augmentation agents are standard therapeutic options used to achieve and maintain remission. Suboptimal serum and red blood cell folate levels have been associated with a poorer response to antidepressant therapy, a greater severity of symptoms, later onset of clinical improvement, and overall treatment resistance. This Expert Review Supplement reviews the evidence for L-methylfolate as an augmentation agent in depression and discusses its clinical use elaborated by three clinical presentations.
authors.affiliation: High Point Regional Health Systems, High Point NC, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farah
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D005492:Folic Acid