A review on prevalence of depression among Bangladeshi youths: current antidepressant therapies, emerging drug developments and synthetic approaches

Abstract

Depression among Bangladeshi adolescents is a fast-growing public health problem driven by academic pressure, economic stress, and lifestyle changes. This review article examines the prevalence of depression among Bangladeshi adolescents with a focus on university students and reviews traditional and new antidepressant treatments. Traditional treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressant (TCAs) are effective but are often plagued by side effects and delayed onset of action. Recent developments such as ketamine-based treatments, psilocybin, and neurosteroid modulators offer faster-acting alternatives. The study also examines the chemical structures, mechanisms of action, and synthetic approaches to access these compounds, emphasizing the need for sustainable and effective synthetic routes. This review article aims to guide future pharmacological interventions and policy-making in Bangladesh to improve the availability and effectiveness of mental health treatment for youth.