The role of neurotrophic factors in novel, rapid psychiatric treatments.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology January 1, 2024 Jihye Kim, Michelle J He, Alina K Widmann et al. 47 citations
Neurotrophic factors help neurons grow, survive, and connect. For decades, scientists thought that too little neurotrophic support caused the loss of synapses and cells seen in psychiatric disorders. Traditional antidepressants raise neurotrophic levels over weeks, matching when they start working. Newer treatments like ketamine and psychedelics work within hours and quickly release neurotrophins into synapses. This has changed how researchers understand neurotrophins and their receptors. This review discusses these new insights into receptor signaling and their clinical importance, building on what is already known about neurotrophic factors in psychiatric disorders and treatments.