Neuroplasticity as a target for the pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia
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Optogenetic Manipulation of Neuronal Activity to Modulate Behavior in Freely Moving Mice
Published on: October 27, 2020
John H Krystal1, David F Tolin, Gerard Sanacora
1Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, United States. john.krystal@yale.edu
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.
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