Schizophrenia: a review of neuropharmacology.
BACKGROUND
The last few decades have seen significant advances in our understanding of the neurochemical basis of schizophrenia.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the neurotransmitter systems and nerve circuits implicated in schizophrenia; to compare the neuropharmacology of typical and atypical anti-psychotic agents; and to describe recent developments in the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia.


METHODS
Relevant pharmacological, neurophysiological and psychiatric literature was examined and reviewed.


RESULTS
Schizophrenia is associated with abnormalities of multiple neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate. Typical and atypical antipsychotic agents differ in their receptor-binding affinities, which are related to their differing side-effect profiles. Novel therapeutic strategies include normalisation of synaptic dopamine or serotonin levels, serotonin receptor antagonism and modulation of cerebral protein synthesis.


CONCLUSIONS
The ideal treatment for schizophrenia may not be a single pharmacological agent but several agents that match the different expressions of the illness, in combination with psycho-social interventions.
Lyne
J
J
Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Research, St Vincent's University Hospital/University College Dublin, Ireland.
Kelly
B D
BD
O'Connor
W T
WT
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009480:Neuropharmacology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000187:drug effects; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin