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Suppose that you have been given the task of designing a completely new drug to combat. 
depression. What are some of the considerations that you would need to take into account in so 
doing? 
Example Answer (Share Your Views)
The answer will need to consider the existing range of antidepressants and what some of their 
failings are, e.g. they are not useful to all patients, and they have side-effects. The inventor 
would need to consider those abnormalities evident in the brains of people suffering from 
depression. Is there a consistent neurochemical abnormality found. If a particular abnormality in 
a neurochemical system is found, is the abnormality confined to one region of the brain or a 
general failing in the neurotransmitter throughout the brain? What will be the likely side-effects 
of the new drug? How will it link with other simultaneous therapeutic techniques, such as 
cognitive interventions? Will it be able to cross the blood–brain barrier?
Share your ideas and thoughts.