Anxiety and Mood Disorders: Novel Research on Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuropsychiatry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2026) | Viewed by 2001

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó 89815-899, SC, Brazil
Interests: psychiatric disorders; early life stress; biological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders; new treatment strategies; medicinal plants; Cannabis sativa; animal models; translational and clinical research
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Available treatments for anxiety and mood disorders remain ineffective for a significant percentage of individuals. Furthermore, the prolonged period required for therapeutic intervention to take effect remains a significant challenge. Therefore, research into the biological mechanisms underlying disorders and treatments is of paramount importance.

The primary objective of this Special Issue is to compile a collection of studies on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying anxiety and mood disorders, as well as biological targets, enabling more personalized diagnoses and more effective treatments.

Studies on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, cellular circuits and signaling, inflammation, oxidative stress, and molecular mechanisms involved in neuronal plasticity, aging, and cell death, among other metabolic biological targets, are relevant to the scope of this Topic. Furthermore, research into new therapeutic strategies, pharmacological targets, or mechanisms will be considered.

In this issue, we invite researchers to submit original research manuscripts, reviews, and mini-reviews related to the Special Issue's scope.

Dr. Zuleide Maria Ignácio
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • anxiety disorders
  • mood disorders
  • neurotransmission
  • genetic and epigenetic mechanisms
  • therapeutic strategies
  • pharmacological targets
  • cellular circuits and signaling
  • neuronal plasticity
  • inflammation
  • oxidative stress

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

35 pages, 1553 KB  
Review
Medicinal Plants for Major Depressive Disorder
by Amanda Gollo Bertollo, Luiza Spohr, Ana Élica Bearzi, Kelli Maria Kreuz and Zuleide Maria Ignácio
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(2), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16020223 - 13 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1613
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a severe, chronic illness for which conventional treatments often show limited efficacy and side effects, driving a renewed interest in traditional medicinal plants. The therapeutic promise of these plants lies in their multi-targeted action, influencing neurotransmitter systems, modulating [...] Read more.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a severe, chronic illness for which conventional treatments often show limited efficacy and side effects, driving a renewed interest in traditional medicinal plants. The therapeutic promise of these plants lies in their multi-targeted action, influencing neurotransmitter systems, modulating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, impacting neuroplasticity, and regulating the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) axis. Despite their clinical potential, the use of medicinal plants is associated with challenges, including complex pharmacokinetics, significant adverse effects, and the risk of herb–drug interactions, alongside concerns regarding standardization and quality control. This manuscript aims to examine the therapeutic potential of key medicinal plants for managing MDD, including Hypericum perforatum, Rhodiola rosea, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Valeriana officinalis, and Cannabis sativa. Additionally, the review addresses emerging candidates such as Curcuma longa, Withania somnifera, Panax ginseng and Centella asiatica. By focusing on their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and associated risks, this review provides a more comprehensive understanding of their role in modern psychiatric care. Full article
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