Neuroplasticity as a target for the pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia.

Abstract

Current treatments for psychiatric disorders were developed with the aim of providing symptomatic relief rather than reversing underlying abnormalities in neuroplasticity or neurodevelopment that might contribute to psychiatric disorders. This review considers the possibility that psychiatric treatments might be developed that target neuroplasticity deficits or that manipulate neuroplasticity in novel ways. These treatments might not provide direct symptomatic relief. However, they might complement or enhance current pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies aimed at the prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders. In considering neuroplasticity as a target for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, we build on exciting new findings in the areas of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia.

• Authors: John H Krystal, David F Tolin, Gerard Sanacora, Stacy A Castner, Graham V Williams, Deane E Aikins, Ralph E Hoffman, D Cyril D'Souza
• Journal: Drug discovery today (Drug Discov Today) Vol. 14 Issue 13-14 Pg. 690-7 (Jul 2009) ISSN: 1878-5832 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19460458 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• Pharmaceutical Preparations

Topics

• Animals
• Anxiety Disorders (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Drug Delivery Systems (methods)
• Humans
• Mood Disorders (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Multicenter Studies as Topic (methods)
• Neuronal Plasticity (drug effects, physiology)
• Pharmaceutical Preparations (administration & dosage)
• Schizophrenia (drug therapy, metabolism)