A major discovery regarding depression – Dr. Gustavo Turecki

Published on: 2025-11-12 09:00

In an interview on the show On va se le dire, le Dr. Gustavo Turecki explains a major discovery that could transform our understanding and treatment of depression..

« We were able to dissect the cells affected by depression and realized that certain types of cells, in particular, are impacted by the condition. That’s essentially the discovery. »

– Dr. Gustavo Turecki

He emphasizes that depression arises from individual vulnerabilities, partly genetic and partly shaped by life experiences, which can trigger a depressive episode. The impact varies from person to person: some continue to function normally, while others lose all motivation and energy for daily activities.

The research conducted by Dr. Turecki’s team was made possible through a brain bank, composed of post-mortem donations, allowing researchers to study the cellular alterations associated with depression.

Regarding treatments, Dr. Turecki notes that while effective options exist, approximately 30% of people do not respond to available treatments, highlighting the need for continued research.

« Today, we have treatments that work, but they are not always effective for everyone. About 30% of people still do not respond to treatment. That’s a lot, considering how many people suffer from depression. »

– Dr. Gustavo Turecki

On November 24, Dr. Turecki spoke with Benoit Dutrizac on qub.ca, presenting his recent study and explaining how identifying these altered brain cells could revolutionize mental health treatments.

For more information, you can read the news article published on our site on September 10:

A major discovery regarding depression – Dr. Gustavo Turecki

Source: Radio Canada