Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, necessitating effective treatment strategies. This review explores the roles of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, the two mainstays of MDD management. Psychotherapy modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), are effective in addressing mild to moderate depression and preventing relapse. Pharmacotherapy, including antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs, is essential for moderate to severe cases, offering rapid symptom relief and neurochemical balance. The combination of both approaches often yields superior outcomes by leveraging their complementary strengths. Emerging innovations, such as digital interventions, ketamine, and psychedelic therapies, offer promising avenues for treatment-resistant MDD. The review also examines systemic barriers to care and highlights the need for personalized, integrated approaches to optimize patient outcomes. Addressing these challenges is vital for advancing MDD treatment and improving global mental health outcomes.