| Abstract: | Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects 1% of the population (lifetime prevalence) in all areas of the world. Neuroleptics are undoubtedly a striking improvement over previous treatments for schizophrenia (or lack thereof) and they do ameliorate positive symptoms. But schizophrenia remains a terribly disabling condition and outcomes, especially in industrialised countries, have remained poor. The rapid progress of neuroscience research has provided some insights into the neurobiology of this debilitating illness, and informed the approach to developing novel treatments. However, the genetics, aetiology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia and other psychiatric diseases are still incompletely understood, so that development of more effective and benign drugs is difficult. Current efforts in finding new treatments are often aimed at refining existing neuroleptics and understanding the factors that affect neuroleptic drug action. In this paper, we review the present understanding of the neurobiology and genetics of schizophrenia, novel antipsychotics, and discuss the pharmacological factors that influence antipsychotic effects, side effects and improvement in negative symptoms. The study of the neurobiology of schizophrenia is still at an early stage but, in conjunction with the improvements in antipsychotics, our understanding of and treatment for schizophrenia will continue to improve. |
