New Insights into the Diagnosis, Management, and Interventions of Mood Disorders

Dear Colleagues,

In the past, the diagnosis of mood disorders was largely based on patient-reported symptoms and clinical observations. Classification systems, such as the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and the ICD (International Classification of Diseases), provided standardized criteria but were criticized for their lack of specificity and categorical approach. Genetic and neurobiological research has begun to reveal the complexity of these disorders, suggesting that they are not caused by a single factor but by a complex interaction between genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors. A current emerging direction is the use of biological and genetic biomarkers to improve diagnostic accuracy. This could allow for earlier and more personalized diagnosis of mood disorders. Rather than focusing on distinct categories of disorders, researchers are exploring common features across mood disorders, such as emotional dysregulation. This may lead to more effective interventions that target the underlying mechanisms of these disorders. There is growing interest in developing personalized treatments that take into account an individual’s genetic, biological, and psychological profile. This may include personalized pharmacological therapies and tailored psychotherapeutic interventions. The use of digital technologies, such as mental health apps and telemedicine, offers new ways to conduct monitoring and interventions. These tools can improve access to treatments and provide ongoing support to patients. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and other forms of psychotherapy continue to be essential, but are often integrated with new mindfulness-based and acceptance-based techniques.

For this Special Issue, titled “New Insights into the Diagnosis, Management, and Interventions of Mood Disorders”, the following types of submissions are required:

1. Original Research:

Evaluate the effectiveness of new genetic biomarkers in the early diagnosis of mood disorders through a controlled clinical study. Investigate the impact of a personalized intervention based on the genetic and psychological profile of patients on symptoms of depression and anxiety.

2. Review:

Conduct a meta-analysis of existing studies on the use of genetic and biological biomarkers in the diagnosis of mood disorders. Synthesize the current literature on the effectiveness of digital technologies, such as mental health apps, in the monitoring and treatment of mood disorders.

3. Opinion or Perspective Articles:

Propose a new theoretical framework for understanding mood disorders, based on the complex interaction between individual genetics and environmental factors. Address the future of personalized treatments for mood disorders and the ethical challenges associated with the use of genetic data.

4. Methodology Articles:

Develop and present new methodologies for assessing emotional dysfunction in patients with mood disorders using advanced brain imaging technologies. Provide descriptions of new experimental protocols for testing the efficacy of personalized psychotherapeutic interventions in mood disorders.

5. Interdisciplinary Papers:

Explore how the integration of psychology, neuroscience, and genetics can improve the understanding and treatment of mood disorders. Investigate the impact of socio-economic and cultural factors on the manifestation and treatment of mood disorders through an interdisciplinary approach.

I look forward to your submissions.

Prof. Dr. Ioana Valentina Micluţia
Guest Editor

Prof. Dr. Cristian Delcea
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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• mood disorders
• anxiety
• depression
• psychotherapy
• pharmacological treatments
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• dialectical behavioral therapy
• emotional dysregulation