A SEMINAR REPORT ON:

PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: NEW FRONTIERS IN TREATING MENTAL

HEALTH DISORDERS
PRESENTED BY
OYAWIRI ESEOGHENE HARTLEY
CFB/20/21/268278
PRESENTED TO
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTIC, FACULTY OF
BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCE, DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY ABRAKA

February 2024

ABSTRACT
The field of psychopharmacology which investigates how drugs impact mood, sensation,
thinking and behavior is rapidly evolving with advancements that hold potential for the
treatment of health disorders. This summary provides an overview of the progress,in
psychopharmacology and its potential implications on the management of health conditions.
Historically a limited range of medications like antidepressants, anxiolytics and
antipsychotics have been used to treat health disorders. Nevertheless recent research has led
to the development of interventions targeting specific neural pathways, neurotransmitter
systems and brain circuits associated with various mental health conditions. One area of
advancement lies in precision medicine approaches within psychopharmacology. These
approaches aim to customize treatment based on an individuals makeup, neurobiological
characteristics and clinical profile. This personalized approach shows promise in improving
treatment effectiveness while minimizing effects. Moreover there is a growing interest in
exploring hallucinogenic substances such as psilocybin and MDMA as therapies for
conditions like treatment resistant depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and
substance use disorders. Encouraging results, from trials suggest that these substances may
offer therapeutic benefits when compared to conventional medications. Furthermore progress,
in the field of psychopharmacology has also resulted in the identification of drug targets and
the repurposing of existing medications to treat health disorders. To illustrate studies on the
connection between the gut and brain have revealed avenues for influencing health through
modulation of the microbiome. Additionally there has been interest in utilizing ketamine, for
alleviating severe depression.

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