VOL 35 No. 4

The term bioelectrical modulators specifically applies to anticonvulsant drugs and mood stabilizers; however, it also embodies the larger more generic concept that bioelectrical modulators can mitigate any pathological condition caused by a dysregulation of the...

Melanocortins are derived from posttranslational processing of the precursor protein pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). The central melanocortinergic system consists of endogenous agonist α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, the naturally occurring antagonist Agouti-related protein (AGRP), and two melanocortin receptors (MC3R, MC4R)....

Many psychotropic medications might cause prolongation of the QTc interval; however, antipsychotics have recently come under increasing scrutiny in this regard. Ziprasidone, a newly marketed second-generation antipsychotic, was initially delayed in approval by the FDA...

Significant scientific advancements in the last decade have armed researchers with tools to assess drug metabolism and the effects of drugs on metabolic pathways; however, most of this research has focused on cytochrome P450 isozymes....

Pharmacokinetic interactions between medications can have clinically significant effects. Concern usually arises when a medication is added to a continuing regimen, though discontinuation of a medication can also have an impact. A case is presented...

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a chronic, often debilitating disorder with a high potential for comorbid conditions. Despite being among the most common of psychiatric disorders it is often under-recognized. This case illustrates the treatment...

There is extensive evidence to implicate dysregulation of noradrenergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. The receptor profile for risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic with demonstrated efficacy in schizophrenia, is consistent with...

Treatment refractory mania is a common clinical problem. Unfortunately, the treatment of acute mania refractory to standard antimanic and mood-stabilizing medications has not been well studied. This review will discuss the definition, evaluation, and differential...

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an emerging potential treatment for depression, but the data supporting its efficacy have not been systematically reviewed. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of rTMS...

5-HT1B receptors are expressed throughout the mammalian central nervous system. These receptors are located in the axon terminals of both serotonergic and nonserotonergic neurons, where they act as inhibitory autoreceptors or heteroreceptors, respectively. 5-HT1B receptors...

The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (National DMDA) is the largest patient-directed, illness-specific organization in the United States, representing the millions of people living with mood disorders. Recent National DMDA surveys have shown that people...

Despite the fact that Hispanics are becoming the largest minority in the United States, there is a paucity of studies of psychopharmacology in Hispanic Americans. However, drawing from many sources, it is possible to illustrate...