Current Neuropharmacology - Volume 16, Issue 8, 2018

Heterogeneity, frequent diagnostic fluctuation across presentations, and global concerns with the absence of effective treatments all encourage science that moves the field toward individualized or precision medicine in eating disorders. We review recent advances in psychiatric genetics focusing on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in eating disorders. Given that the only eating disorder to be the subject of GWAS t Read More

Background: The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin regulates reproductive behavior and mother-infant interaction, and conclusive studies in humans indicate that oxytocin is also a potent modulator of psychosocial function. Pilot experiments have yielded first evidence that this neuropeptide moreover influences eating behavior. Methods: We briefly summarize currently available studies on the involvement of the Read More

Background: Social difficulties in eating disorders can manifest as predisposing traits and premorbid difficulties, and/or as consequences of the illness. Objective: The aim of this paper is to briefly review the evidence of social problems in people with eating disorders and to consider the literature on treatments that target these features. Method: A narrative review of the literature was conducted. Results: People with eati Read More

Background: The role of the gut microbiota in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) has long been neglected by researchers, although the fact that the former is known to play an important role in health, disease and weight regulation. Cycles of overweight and underweight due to natural states of starvation and refeeding are normal in many vertebrates in their ecological niches. Objective: The aim of this review was to compare the similariti Read More

Background: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has provided insight on how neural abnormalities are related to the symptomatology of the eating disorders (EDs): anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED). More specifically, an increasingly growing number of brain imaging studies has shed light on how functionally connected brain networks contribute not only to disturbed eating be Read More

Introduction: Brain volume deficits of grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) are often found in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, until recently, little was known about the influencing factors of these brain volume alterations, nor their exact quantification and rehabilitation. Methods: This review addresses these open questions and further explores what is now known about the underlying pathobiology and th Read More

Introduction: Whilst psychological therapies are the main approach to treatment of eating disorders (EDs), advances in aetiological research suggest the need for the development of more targeted, brain-focused treatments. A range of neurostimulation approaches, most prominently repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), are Read More

Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) is an important public health problem and despite recent progress in the understanding, diagnosis, pathophysiological mechanisms and the treatment of NP, many patients remain refractory to pharmacotherapy. Objective: Currently used drugs have limited efficacy and dose-limiting adverse effects, and thus there is a substantial need for further development of novel medication Read More

Background: Antipsychotic-induced metabolic side effects are major concerns in psychopharmacology and clinical psychiatry. Their pathogenetic mechanisms are still not elucidated. Methods: Herein, we review the impact of neurotransmitters on metabolic regulation, providing insights into antipsychotic-induced metabolic side effects. Results: Antipsychotic drugs seem to interfere with feeding behaviors and energy balance, Read More

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes the primary reason for mortality and morbidity in persons worldwide below 45 years of age. 1.7 million Traumatic events occur yearly in the United States alone, considering for 50,000 deaths. In severe traumatic brain injury sufferers, a considerable achievement attained in treating short-term consequences; but till date, huge failures are occurring in researcher's capabil Read More

Background: Ever since the pioneering reports in the 60s, L-3,4-Dioxyphenylalanine (levodopa) has represented the gold standard for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease (PD). However, long-term levodopa (LD) treatment is frequently associated with fluctuations in motor response with serious impact on patient quality of life. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of LD are pivotal to such motor fluctuations: dis Read More