The role of folic acid in the treatment of depressive disorder and the prediction of response to antidepressant treatment

Abstract

The role of folic acid (folate) in the pathogenesis of depressive disorder has been reported in psychiatric literature for longer period. Authors review clinical studies evaluated efficacy of folate and its role in the prediction of clinical response in depressive disorder.

Aims of next research and implications for clinical practices are discussed.

Keywords

• Depressive disorder
• Folate plasmatic level
• Folic acid
• Prediction of response to treatment
• Red blood cell folate (RBCF)
• Treatment