Fatty acids in context Neurometabolic perspectives on depression vulnerability

The aim of this thesis was to focus on fatty acids and their relation with other (patho)physiological aspects in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), in order to improve disease understanding. By conducting several studies on the role of fatty acids in the pathophysiology, recurrence and treatment of MDD, we looked for new ways beyond the monoaminergic theory to (I) improve the understanding of interactions among pathophysiological aspects, (II) reduce MDD heterogeneity by definition of subgroups with more comparable diagnostic characteristics, and (III) delineate profiles associated with prognosis and treatment outcome. This to provide anchor points to personalize treatment in the future, in order to increase treatment efficacy, reduce recurrence rates, and minimize cardiovascular comorbidity. Ultimately, we aimed to open new opportunities to reduce the burden of disease by MDD and related psychiatric disorders.