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What is an atypical antipsychotic?
1Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, UK. g.p.reynolds@sheffield.ac.uk
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|January 1, 1997
Summary
New antipsychotic drugs offer improved treatments for schizophrenia, building on advances in receptor mechanism research. This review explores atypicality and emerging drug pharmacology.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Schizophrenia treatment research is advancing rapidly.
- Modern imaging and molecular biology enhance understanding of antipsychotic drug mechanisms.
- New antipsychotic medications are emerging with potential improvements over traditional ones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept of atypicality in antipsychotic drugs.
- To describe models for identifying improved antipsychotic action.
- To examine receptor mechanisms underlying atypical antipsychotic action in light of new drug pharmacology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on antipsychotic drug action.
- Analysis of receptor pharmacology for newly emerging antipsychotic drugs.
- Discussion of proposed models for atypical antipsychotic activity.
Main Results:
- Advances in imaging and molecular biology provide deeper insights into drug receptor interactions.
- Several new antipsychotics are nearing availability, promising enhanced efficacy.
- The concept of 'atypicality' is crucial for differentiating novel antipsychotic agents.
Conclusions:
- Emerging antipsychotic drugs represent a significant advancement in schizophrenia treatment.
- Understanding specific receptor mechanisms is key to developing more effective therapies.
- Further research into atypical antipsychotic pharmacology will guide clinical application.