Brain Chemical Linked to Depression and Suicide in Trauma Survivors

According to a study published in November 2025, neuroscientists have identified a brain chemical that appears to contribute to depression and suicidal behavior in individuals who experienced trauma or hardship during childhood. The researchers found that high levels of a stress-related protein called SGK1 are closely associated with depression among people who endured early-life adversity.

This discovery opens the door to a potential new type of antidepressant that blocks SGK1 activity. Such drugs may be more effective for people who were neglected or abused as children, as current antidepressants are often less effective for this population, who represent a large proportion of adults with depression.

The study also revealed that the brains of adults who had died by suicide showed elevated SGK1 levels, with the highest concentrations found in those who had suffered childhood trauma. Additionally, children exposed to early adversity and carrying genetic variants that increase SGK1 production were more likely to experience depression as teenagers.

These findings suggest that SGK1 may be a biological driver of depression and suicidal behavior, particularly among individuals affected by trauma early in life. Researchers now hope to begin clinical trials of SGK1-targeting drugs in people with a history of childhood adversity and depression.