Trends in clinical psychiatric research

Schizophrenia: The longstanding dopaminergic hypothesis is based on well-es tablished findings, mainly related to a dysfunction of the mesolimbic C2 an d D3 receptors, negative signs of prefrontal hypodopaminergia concerning th e D2 and D4 receptors, immune disorders are also involved as well as a poss ible neurodevelopmental component Finally genetic factors play an important role. I Depressive states: Three monoaminergic systems appear to be implicated: the catecholaminergic, serotaminergic and homovanilic systems. It is not known whether the disorder of the serotaminergic system results from pre-existin g fragilization or a symptom-related modification. Hypotheses concerning depression: According to the chronobiology hypothesis , certain biological rhythms (cortisol, temperature, perhaps melatonin) are desynchronized, a disequilibrium which disappears after cure. The fragiliz ation hypothesis is based on the progressive development of a stress-relate d pathological organization in the hippscarnpuo-hypothaiamo-adrenal axis. Perspectives: The development of new psychotropes remains a challenge to me et the unsatisfied demands in psychiatries. Drugs with rapid action and min imal side effects are needed.