Depression, which affects many people within society, stands out as a major area for development in the mood foods category. 25% say there is strong growth potential and 51% average growth potential for NPD in 2012.

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Merck faces heavy competition in almost every area of brain research, especially from Pfizer, which has been working on substance P blockers for depression and on new, safer antianxiety drugs.

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Additionally, corporates in the area will also be affected negatively by the downgrades, this will tend to decrease value and compound price depression in the respective regions.

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