"Uncovering Depression's Depths Through Pupil Response"

A study by the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry found that depressed individuals show reduced pupillary response to rewards, indicating lower activation in the locus coeruleus, a key brain structure. This finding suggests that pupillometry could aid in developing personalized treatment strategies for depression, including the selection and dosing of antidepressants. Understanding the physiological mechanisms behind depression is crucial for improving treatment outcomes, especially for the 30% of patients unresponsive to current medications.