Fig. 1.

This concept map visualizes the hypothesized complexity of the relationship between multiple factors of depression and inflammation. Summarized; Environmental and genetic factors predispose individuals to a level of vulnerability to inflammatory response of which reduces monoamine availability and leads to cascading effects of neurotransmitter dysfunction and decreased neurotrophin factors. This perpetual process provides chronic neuroplastic changes in the affected regions and systems that result in depressive symptoms. Finally, depression results in a cyclic circumstance in which inflammation is increased and resumes the aforementioned effects. Effective treatment would be one that breaks this cycle, providing anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant effects.