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Anxiolytics: past, present, and future agents
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga 30322, USA. cnemero@emory.edu
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|March 29, 2003
Summary
Researchers are developing new anxiety treatments targeting GABA receptors. This research aims to find safer and more effective anxiolytic agents than current options like benzodiazepines.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
- Anxiety Disorders
Background:
- Anxiety disorders have historically lacked optimal treatments due to side effects of agents like barbiturates and benzodiazepines.
- The neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is recognized for its role in anxiety.
- Previous anxiolytics often had suboptimal side effect profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore novel anxiolytic agents targeting GABA receptors.
- To identify treatments that are both effective and safe for anxiety disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and current anxiolytic treatments.
- Focus on research into agents selectively targeting GABA receptors and their subtypes.
Main Results:
- Identification of GABA receptor subtypes as promising targets for new anxiolytics.
- Potential for developing safer and more effective anxiety treatments.
Conclusions:
- Targeting GABA receptors offers a promising avenue for novel anxiolytic drug development.
- Future research may yield superior treatments for anxiety disorders compared to existing options.