Rationale for Adjunctive Treatment Targeting Multiple Mechanisms in Schizophrenia
Bruce J. Kinon, Stefan Leucht, Carol A. Tamminga, Alan Breier, R. Marcus, S. Paul
Abstract
receptor-blocking antipsychotics have well-known limitations, including ineffectively treating across all symptom domains and generating common side effects such as motor disturbances, weight gain, and metabolic dysfunction. New approaches are sorely needed to address the continued unmet treatment needs for individuals living with schizophrenia. receptor antagonists or partial agonists. While antipsychotics primarily relieve positive symptoms, residual positive symptoms are still common, and management of negative symptoms and cognitive impairment remains an unmet need. Problematic side effects are common with current agents and can contribute to nonadherence. In addition to alterations in dopaminergic pathways, increasing evidence indicates that the pathophysiology of schizophrenia also includes dysfunction in other neurotransmitter systems including glutamate, acetylcholine, serotonin, and γ-aminobutyric acid. While the pathophysiology of schizophrenia is complex, treatments with novel pharmacologic actions that target these systems are of interest as adjunctive treatment for individuals with schizophrenia. receptor-blocking antipsychotics.