The present technology provides a method of preventing or treating depression in a subject in need thereof, including administering to the subject an effective amount of benzoic acid or a salt and derivative thereof. Also provided is a composition for use in preventing or treating depression in a subject in need thereof.

Currently, antidepressants are based on the monoamine theory, however, many patients cannot improve. Sodium benzoate increases the concentrations of D-amino acids. We found that benzoate monotherapy safely improved  symptoms, stress perception, and overall function of depressive patients. It helps to understand the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder and develop new drugs.

Major depressive disorder is one of the three major diseases in this century. At present, the efficacy of antidepressants is not ideal. Therefore, the development of new antidepressant drugs has been a major issue in medical and industry today. The present invention helps to provide future development direction of new drugs, improve the medical model of major depressive disorder, and reduce medical and social costs.