우울증의 병태생리에 관한 동서의학적 비교

A comparative study on physiopathology of depression by Korean medicine and conventional medicine

Objective: This study aims to summarize recent findings of depression and compare the physiopathology of depression by conventional medicine and Korean medicine. Methods: A literature search of PubMed and Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry was conducted. This study analyzes the physiopathology of depression. Results: Despite difference of the viewpoints between conventional medicine and Korean medicine, etiology and symptoms of depression are similar. Recent findings of depression partly accord with Korean medicine theory. Conclusion: Physiopathology of depression has yet to be completely understood and current treatments remain ineffective in a large subset of patients. As the efficacy of Korean medicine against depression is demonstrating recently, understanding the viewpoints of Korean medicine will provide new perspectives and hints for further research and therapeutic development.