The new-generation antipsychotics - integrating the neuropathology and pharmacology of schizophrenia

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorHarvey, Brian H.en_ZA
dc.contributor.authorStein, Dan J.en_ZA
dc.contributor.authorEmsley, Robin A.en_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2011-03-18T14:57:07Z
dc.date.accessioned2011-03-18T14:57:07Z
dc.date.available2011-03-18T14:57:07Z
dc.date.available2011-03-18T14:57:07Z
dc.date.issued1999
dc.descriptionCITATION: Harvey, B. H., Stein D. J. & Emsley, R. A. 1999. The new-generation antipsychotics - integrating the neuropathology and pharmacology of schizophrenia. South African Medical Journal, 89(6):661-672.
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
dc.description.abstractDespite a well-established role for dopamine (DA) in the neuropathology of schizophrenia, and the evidence of a hyperdopaminergic state in the schizophrenic brain, many questions still remain. Typical agents acting predominantly on DA D2 receptors are only partially effective. New data now indicate that the interaction between DA and the various DA receptors as well as DA interaction with other transmitter systems, are more critical in deciding the therapeutic success of an antipsychotic than actions on DA alone. These interactions are closely associated with what is being documented regarding the neuro-anatomy, neurobiology and neuropsychology of the disorder. There have been major advances in the understanding of the neuropathology of schizophrenia that, while not replacing the original DA hypothesis, have forced a re-evaluation of our understanding of the disorder. In this paper we present the biochemical and neuropathological basis for schizophrenia and discuss six new atypical antipsychotics according to these theories. Drugs reviewed include clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, ziprasidone, sertindole and quetiapine. While not a comparative analysis of these drugs, this paper is an appraisal of how their pharmacology correlates with our present knowledge of the disorder and highlights differences among the drugs in this group. These agents therefore possess specifically designed qualities, to varying degrees, promising a significant improvement over earlier agents in terms of treating positive and negative symptoms, with a minimal risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). These qualities include an emphasis on D2 selectivity, D1/D2 balance, DA/serotonin (5HT) balance, D3/D4 selectivity, DA/acetylcholine (Ach) balance and glutamate (Glu)/gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) balance. The drugs are discussed with reference to these criteria. Targeted drug design has created a goal-directed strategy with which to treat schizophrenia. These new antipsychotics appear to have several distinct advantages over their predecessors, and should make a major contribution to the treatment of schizophrenia and the re-integration of these patients into society.
dc.description.versionPublisher’s version
dc.identifier.citationHarvey, B. H., Stein D. J. & Emsley, R. A. 1999. The new-generation antipsychotics - integrating the neuropathology and pharmacology of schizophrenia. South African Medical Journal, 89(6):661-672.
dc.identifier.issn2078-5135 (online)
dc.identifier.issn0256-9574 (print)
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/7202
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherHealth & Medical Publishing Group
dc.rights.holderSouth African Medical Journal
dc.subjectSchizophrenia -- Treatmenten_ZA
dc.subjectAntipsychotic drugsen_ZA
dc.titleThe new-generation antipsychotics - integrating the neuropathology and pharmacology of schizophreniaen_ZA
dc.typeArticle
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
harvey_new_1999.pdf
Size:
8.45 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Publishers' Version
Download
Collections
Research Articles (Psychiatry)