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Related Concept Videos

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder01:30

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
Anxiety: Overview01:18

Anxiety: Overview

Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview01:26

Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview

Anxiolytic drugs are vital in managing anxiety disorders by effectively alleviating symptoms such as excessive fear, tachycardia, and tremors. There are several classes of anxiolytic medications, each with unique mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Using Enzyme-based Biosensors to Measure Tonic and Phasic Glutamate in Alzheimer's Mouse Models
10:46

Using Enzyme-based Biosensors to Measure Tonic and Phasic Glutamate in Alzheimer's Mouse Models

Published on: May 3, 2017

Glutamate and anxiety disorders.

Jonathan M Amiel1, Sanjay J Mathew

  • 1Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA. jma2106@columbia.edu

Current Psychiatry Reports
|September 21, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Novel pharmacologic agents targeting glutamatergic neurotransmission offer a promising new avenue for anxiety disorder treatment. These treatments may provide more favorable side effect profiles compared to traditional antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent but challenging to treat effectively.
  • Current first-line treatments (antidepressants, benzodiazepines, buspirone) have limitations due to side effects or dependency risks.
  • Patients with anxiety may discontinue medication due to low tolerance for side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore novel pharmacologic agents for anxiety disorder treatment.
  • To investigate agents modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission.
  • To assess potential for improved side effect profiles.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on glutamatergic neurotransmission in anxiety.
  • Analysis of novel pharmacologic targets (receptors, ion channels, transporters).

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  • Evaluation of potential benefits for anxiety and comorbid conditions.

    • Main Results:

    • Glutamatergic neurotransmission is implicated in anxiety pathophysiology.
    • Novel agents targeting glutamate pathways show potential for effective anxiety treatment.
    • These agents may offer improved safety and tolerability profiles.

    Conclusions:

    • Modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission represents a promising therapeutic strategy for anxiety disorders.
    • New pharmacologic approaches may overcome limitations of current treatments.
    • Increased use of these agents is anticipated for anxiety and comorbid mood/substance use disorders.