Noradrenaline in mood and anxiety disorders: basic and clinical studies.
The neurotransmitter noradrenaline is known to be involved in a range of physiological and psychological processes, and dysfunctions of this neurotransmitter system have been implicated in a range of psychiatric disorders. However, the clinical utility of targeting the noradrenergic system in the treatment of such disorders has been somewhat overshadowed by the availability of agents selective for the serotonin system. A number of antidepressants with increased, but varying, selectivity for the noradrenergic system have become available in recent years, including mirtazapine, bupropion and, most recently, the first truly selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, reboxetine. This review brings together current thinking on the role of noradrenaline in the aetiology and therapy of mood disorders to encourage a rational, evidence-based approach to the treatment of such disorders, and to provide suggestions and guidelines for future research in the area.
Brunello
Nicoletta
N
Center of Neuropharmacology, Intsitute of Pharmacological Science, University of Milan, Italy. brunello.nicoletta@unimo.it
Blier
Pier
P
Judd
Lewis L
LL
Mendlewicz
Julien
J
Nelson
Craig J
CJ
Souery
Daniel
D
Zohar
Joseph
J
Racagni
Giorgio
G
D000818:Animals; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology*; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
D009638:Norepinephrine; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors