Depression is a mental illness characterized by persistent low mood and loss of interest, affecting about 350 million people worldwide. Modern medicine has developed a comprehensive treatment system combining stem cell therapy, medication, psychological interventions, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, providing patients with multidimensional rehabilitation pathways.

Emerging Treatment Methods

Neural reconstruction based on stem cell therapy

Neural reconstruction based on stem cell therapy is a promising treatment method for depression after traditional therapies. Traditional drugs (such as SSRIs) are limited in effectiveness for 30–50% of patients. Stem cell therapy repairs neural damage and regulates immunity through multiple targets, becoming a disruptive new research direction compared to conventional treatments.

Advantages of neural reconstruction with stem cell therapy:

① Neural regeneration and synaptic remodeling: Stem cells secrete BDNF, VEGF, and other factors to promote hippocampal neurogenesis (animal experiments show a 30–50% increase in neurons), repair prefrontal cortex synaptic connections, and improve emotional regulation and cognitive function.

② Anti-inflammatory and immune regulation: Inhibit overactivation of microglia and reduce levels of pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α.

③ Monoamine neurotransmitter system repair: Differentiate into 5-HT neurons or support their function (rodent experiments showed brain 5-HT concentrations increased by 20–30%).

④ Gut-brain axis regulation: Repair intestinal barrier function and reduce neuroinflammation triggered by endotoxins entering the blood (some depression patients present with gut microbiota imbalance).

Conventional Treatment Methods

1. Medication

Antidepressants are commonly used clinical interventions, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants. By regulating serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, they gradually improve depressive symptoms. Treatment should be conducted under professional supervision to avoid abrupt discontinuation or dosage changes.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps patients identify and change negative thinking patterns, establishing positive coping strategies. Through cognitive restructuring and behavioral exercises, patients gradually repair self-recognition and improve coping ability, widely used for individuals with mild to moderate depression.

3. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

rTMS is a non-invasive neuromodulation method that stimulates specific brain regions with magnetic fields to improve neural activity. It is widely applied to treatment-resistant depression, with advantages of minimal side effects and wide applicability.

4. Psychological support and family intervention

Building a stable social support system is crucial for recovery. Families should participate in treatment, understand the illness, and cooperate with medical guidance while avoiding criticism or neglect. A positive family atmosphere can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and helplessness.

5. Music and art therapy

Art-based therapies can serve as supplementary methods, offering patients channels for self-expression and emotional release. Music, painting, and dance can all stimulate inner emotions, alleviate depressive symptoms, and promote psychological recovery.

6. Nutrition regulation and exercise intervention

A balanced diet and regular exercise help regulate neurotransmitter secretion and improve mental state. Supplementing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and others may provide supportive benefits for some depression patients.

7. Multidisciplinary team intervention

At United Life International Medical Center, patients receive collaborative treatment from psychiatry, psychology, and rehabilitation specialists. Expert teams create individualized treatment plans and dynamically adjust therapies to comprehensively enhance recovery outcomes.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center point out that depression requires long-term, systematic treatment, and single methods alone are difficult to resolve the condition. Stem cell therapy combined with psychotherapy, medication, and physical interventions offers patients a more promising path to recovery. Families and society should also provide support, helping patients return to normal life.