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Glutamatergic transmission in schizophrenia: from basic research to clinical practice
Joshua Kantrowitz1, Daniel C Javitt
1Schizophrenia Research Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, New York, USA. jkantrowitz@nki.rfmh.org
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
|February 3, 2012
Summary
The glutamatergic hypothesis for psychosis is advancing, moving from theory to clinical trials for new antipsychotics. Continued research is needed to explore glutamate system interactions for better treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The glutamatergic hypothesis has gained prominence in understanding psychosis.
- This hypothesis has driven the development of novel antipsychotic medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the glutamatergic theory of psychosis.
- To summarize findings from assessment, genetic, and drug development studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of glutamatergic theory in psychosis.
- Analysis of assessment and genetic studies.
- Evaluation of animal and human drug development data.
Main Results:
- Accumulating evidence supports the role of glutamate in psychosis.
- Recent studies cover various aspects from genetics to clinical trials.
- Drug development shows progress in targeting the glutamate system.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to solidify glutamate's role in psychosis.
- Exploring interactions between the glutamate system and other neurotransmitter systems is crucial.
- Continued investigation may lead to more effective antipsychotic therapies.
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