Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2025
08:58
Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
Published on: June 19, 2019
9.9K
Orexin/hypocretin and major psychiatric disorders
Chin-Chuen Lin1, Tiao-Lai Huang1
1Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Advances in Clinical Chemistry
|August 11, 2022
Summary
The orexin system, involved in sleep and appetite, shows a strong link to major depressive disorder (MDD). Research on its role in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is less consistent, but it may help treat specific psychiatric symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Orexin A and B (hypocretin 1 and 2) are neuropeptides regulating feeding, sleep, stress, and reward.
- Orexin deficiency is linked to narcolepsy, a sleep disorder with overlapping psychiatric symptoms like anxiety and hallucinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on the orexin system's association with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar disorder.
- To examine the orexin system's role in psychiatric treatment, symptoms, and side effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal and clinical studies on the orexin system and psychiatric disorders.
- Analysis of research on orexin system involvement in treatment, symptoms, and side effects.
Main Results:
- Robust evidence links the orexin system to MDD.
- Findings on orexin involvement in schizophrenia are inconsistent; studies in bipolar disorder are limited.
- The orexin system may not be diagnostic but could target specific symptoms like insomnia or weight gain.
Conclusions:
- The orexin system is strongly associated with MDD, with less consistent findings for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- Targeting the orexin system may offer therapeutic benefits for specific psychiatric symptoms, irrespective of diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Narcolepsy
184
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
184
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
1.5K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
1.5K
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
658
Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
658
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
232
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
232
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
913
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
913
01:18Depression: Overview
326
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
326