Behavioral pharmacology of serotonin receptor subtypes: hypotheses for clinical applications of selective serotonin ligands

Summary

This article discusses the relevance of serotonin receptor subtype-mediated animal behavioral pharmacology for applications in patients with psychiatric disorders. We thus review the potential of some selective serotonin ligands for treating a broad spectrum of serotonin-related disorders based upon their psychopharmacologkal preclinical behavioral profiles and preliminary results from clinical trials. These issues are discussed in the context of unmet needs within psychiatry, such as the treatment of impulse control disorders including alcohol dependent behavior, aggression, retardation, eating disorders, obesity, as well as schizophrenia, autism and stroke.