Clinicians, patients, and families are well aware of the pressing need for more effective treatments for depression, and this issue of the Journal is focused on new developments in the treatment of major depressive disorder. That major depression is a worldwide public health problem cannot be overstated. It continues to be a leading source of suffering, disability, and cost. Not only do we need treatments with improved efficacy, a low side-effect burden, and a more rapid onset of action, it is imperative that we also develop the ability to predict individual differences in response to different medications and treatment modalities.. Login at top right hand side of page using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens for full text.