Emerging anxiolytics.
Anxiety disorders are the most common of the psychiatric disorders and are also associated with significant economic costs and impaired work productivity. The first-line pharmacotherapy of pharmatherapy for a number of anxiety disorders comprises selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Benzodiazepines are still widely used for the treatment of several anxiety disorders. Although these agents are effective, many patients are treatment-refractory and more effective, better tolerated medications are required. This paper discusses the understandings of mechanisms involved in the anxiety disorders and reviews emerging medications. Mechanisms underlying the use of d-cycloserine, second generation antipsychotics and beta-blockers are particularly exciting.
Pillay
Nirvana S
NS
University of Cape Town, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa. nirvana.pillay@gmail.com
Stein
Dan J
DJ
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors