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The ABCs of Psychopharmacology
Author(s) -
Keltner Norman L.,
Kelley Frances J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
perspectives in psychiatric care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6163
pISSN - 0031-5990
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6163.2003.00169.x
Subject(s) - neuroscience , psychopharmacology , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , excitatory postsynaptic potential , psychology , optogenetics , synapse , action (physics) , clarity , psychiatry , biology , physics , biochemistry , quantum mechanics
The forgoing represents an attempt to reduce psychopharmacology to a presynaptic neuron-synapse-post-synaptic neuron event. Obviously other strategies might be employed resulting in equal or perhaps greater clarity. Limitations of this approach include the lack of discussion about neuronal modulation, second messenger systems (which most NTs discussed here use), expansion of the ion channel discussion, and the implications of excitatory vs. inhibitory physiological effects. Nonetheless, we find this template for understanding psychotropic drug mechanism of action a fruitful lens through which to guide further study of these drugs. We feel like we are moving toward a silver dollar-size circle.