Future research perspectives on energy metabolism and mood disorders: a brief narrative review on metabolic status, mitochondrial hypothesis and potential biomarkers

Mood disorders are complex and heterogeneous conditions influenced by environmental, genetic, and neurobiological factors.
The aetiopathogenesis of mood disorders is highly complex and not fully delineated. A growing body of evidence suggests that energy metabolism and inflammation within the central nervous system may play a crucial role in the development of the disorders. These factors represent potential therapeutic targets and valuable diagnostic tools.
While the theory linking energy metabolism, inflammation, and mood disorders is gaining traction, the existing literature concerning the potential of metabolic biomarkers associated with mood disorders is still fragmented, often limited, and far to be clinically useful.
The primary goal of this narrative review is to establish a more comprehensive understanding of the interplay among energy metabolism, inflammation, and mood disorder. In the future, identifying a panel of potential biomarkers associated with mood disorders could pave the way for the development of a multi-parametric test for diagnostic, monitoring, prognostic, and predictive purposes.