[Prospects of the search for novel anxiolytics]

Based on an analysis of the present-day knowledge of the pathogenesis of stress, neurosis, and neurosis-like states, the paper highlights the spectrum of pharmacological activity and the mechanisms of action of the commonly used anxiolytics. The main trends in the search for new anxiolytics in Russia and abroad are considered and the most promising directions are indicated. A special attention is devoted to drugs of the new generation, representing agents with different tropicity toward benzodiazepine and GABA receptor subunits, endogenous and exogenous membrane regulators of these receptors, glutamatergic and serotoninergic anxiolytics, hormones, nucleic acid metabolites, substances influencing energy metabolism, neuropeptides with anxiolytic action, etc. A new classification of anxiolytics based on the mechanisms of their action is proposed. A special focus is placed on the achievements of Russian pharmacologists in the design and development of the new generation of anxiolytics.