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

Drug Discov Today. 2009 Jul;14(13-14):690-7. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2009.05.002. Epub 2009 May 19.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

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

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations