The article by Pittenger and Duman reviews the evidence that chronic stress disrupts neuroplasticity, a fundamental mechanism of neuronal adaptation, in mood disorders and animal models of stress. They discuss how chronic stress can precipitate or exacerbate depression by disrupting structural and functional neuroplasticity, while antidepressant treatment can enhance these processes. The authors explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these changes, including the role of transcription factors like CREB and the impact of stress on glutamate neurotransmission. They also highlight the importance of neurogenesis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and how stress can reduce neurogenesis. The review emphasizes the overlap between the molecular and cellular changes induced by antidepressants and those seen in neuroplasticity, suggesting that understanding these mechanisms may lead to more effective treatments for depression. The article concludes by discussing the potential of antidepressants to enhance neuroplasticity and cognitive function in depressed patients, with some studies showing improvements in memory and attention.The article by Pittenger and Duman reviews the evidence that chronic stress disrupts neuroplasticity, a fundamental mechanism of neuronal adaptation, in mood disorders and animal models of stress. They discuss how chronic stress can precipitate or exacerbate depression by disrupting structural and functional neuroplasticity, while antidepressant treatment can enhance these processes. The authors explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these changes, including the role of transcription factors like CREB and the impact of stress on glutamate neurotransmission. They also highlight the importance of neurogenesis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and how stress can reduce neurogenesis. The review emphasizes the overlap between the molecular and cellular changes induced by antidepressants and those seen in neuroplasticity, suggesting that understanding these mechanisms may lead to more effective treatments for depression. The article concludes by discussing the potential of antidepressants to enhance neuroplasticity and cognitive function in depressed patients, with some studies showing improvements in memory and attention.