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[Current trends in clinical psychiatric research]
1DR INSERM, Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Paris.
Abstract:
SCHIZOPHRENIA: The long-standing dopaminergic hypothesis is based on well-established findings, mainly related to a dysfunction of the mesolimbic C2 and D3 receptors, negative signs of prefrontal hypodopaminergia concerning the D2 and D4 receptors. Immune disorders are also involved as well as a possible neurodevelopmental component. Finally genetic factors play an important role.
Depressive States:
Three monoaminergic systems appear to be implicated: the catecholaminergic, serotaminergic and homovanilic systems. It is not known whether the disorder of the serotaminergic system results from pre-existing fragilization or a symptom-related modification.
Hypotheses Concerning Depression:
According to the chronobiology hypothesis, certain biological rhythms (cortisol, temperature, perhaps melatonin) are desynchronized, a disequilibrium which disappears after cure. The fragilization hypothesis is based on the progressive development of a stress-related pathological organization in the hippocampo-hypothalamo-adrenal axis.
Perspectives:
The development of new psychotropes remains a challenge to meet the unsatisfied demands in psychiatrics. Drugs with rapid action and minimal side effects are needed.