Molecular Advances in Psychiatric Therapies

Dear Colleagues, 

Psychiatric disorders (depression, schizophrenia, anxiety) are major public health concerns which influence individuals’ quality of life and cause an economic burden. Despite the availability of a wide range of psychotropics, remission rates are very low. The mechanisms underlying the causes of these disorders are complex and include social, psychological, and biological aspects. Antidepressants based on the regulation of monoaminergic systems and antipsychotics targeting dopamine D₂ and serotonin 5-HT_2A receptors are still the treatments used as the first line of defence. However, new targets involving glutamatergic, cannabinoid, and trace amine receptors are being tested for the treatment of depression and schizophrenia. Serotonergic psychedelics modulating brain networks and promoting neurogenesis and neuroplasticity are being investigated as a potential option for the treatment of depression and anxiety, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Currently available antipsychotics are effective for ameliorating positive symptoms but are not completely satisfying in terms of improving negative and cognitive symptoms. Targeting specific acetylcholine or serotonin receptor subtypes could ameliorate numerous symptoms of schizophrenia. Moreover, new technologies are imminent. Non-invasive brain stimulation seems promising in the treatment of antipsychotic-resistant schizophrenia, while deep brain stimulation has been extensively studied as a therapeutic option for treatment-resistant depression. Novel therapeutic strategies and developing pharmacogenomics and nanotechnology approaches for enhanced drug delivery should lead to more effective personalized therapies of psychiatric diseases.

Prof. Dr. Władysława Anna Daniel
Dr. Anna Haduch
Guest Editors

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