A first function is related to the tendency to be a dominant subject within a group: antidepressant agents facilitate dominance in the hierarchical position of animals within their social group. A second function might be the bonding process and the need for affection between individuals. Oxytocin is involved in bonding, but antidepressants have not yet

been developed along that line. γ-Hydroxy butyrate (GHB) Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical seems to lead to enhancement of the pleasure of being with others; analogues of GHB might therefore act as antidepressants. Sildenafil might be an antidepressant agent for some men, directly through reestablishing a sense of bonding and indirectly through higher levels of testosterone. A third function is stress and sensitivity to stress; Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical many antidepressant agents dampen the biological consequences of stress and modify the level of function of major stress axes. Antagonists to CRF are also being studied as potential antidepressants. A fourth function is the construction of beliefs, and their malleability or lack STA-9090 research buy thereof. A substance that, could facilitate putting strong ideas or beliefs slightly “out of focus” would be useful in cases of depressed thoughts or melancholic Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical delusions. Conclusion Clinicians describe psychiatric symptoms, but rarely analyze them in terms of

higher brain functions, although these symptoms certainly result, from alterations in these functions. However, establishing direct links between symptoms, higher brain functions, and modes of action of psychotropic drugs remains difficult. While discrete neuronal circuits Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical are being discovered for particular higher brain functions, most psychotropic drugs have an overall effect on the brain, without Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical much

neuroanatomical selectivity. In addition, we do not have a definitive taxonomy of higher brain functions. In this article, we have proposed two shifts in paradigms. First, psychiatric symptoms should be analyzed in terms of which higher brain function(s) is (are) abnormal, ie, they should be analyzed as dysfunctions of higher brain functions. Second, psychotropic drugs should be seen as modifying normal higher brain functions, rather than merely treating symptoms, which they do only secondarily. Our proposal may facilitate below comprehension of the links between psychotropic medications and their clinical effects. The challenge is to confront theoretical and pathophysiological models with the present descriptive clinical approach, and to establish a new classification of psychiatric disorders based on the elaborate psychological and physiological concepts derived from the neurosciences.
In order for a drug to reach the market, three general elements must be satisfied. The first is for the product to have a solid scientific rationale based on the concept of “good science.