Alcohol and the brain - Pharmacological insights for psychiatrists

Journal/Book: Brit J Psychiat. 1999; 175: British Journal of Psychiatry 17 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8Pg, England. Royal College Of Psychiatrists. 114-119.

Abstract: Background Alcohol misuse, as well as being a major form of psychiatric morbidity, is also commonly associated with other psychiatric disorders. A greater understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of alcohol is now possible, thanks to significant research advances made over the past decade. Aims To elucidate for psychiatrists the growing knowledge of the importance of specific neurotransmitter interactions in the effects of alcohol. Method A survey of the literature, extracting current knowledge of interest to psychiatrists. Results There is good evidence that the acute effects of alcohol are mediated through interactions with amino acid neurotransmitters plus parallel changes in amines such as noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin. Neuroadaptive responses at amino acid receptors probably underlie significant components of the withdrawal syndrome and probably also contribute to neuronal death found in chronic alcoholism. Conclusions An understanding of the pharmacology of alcohol use may lead to greater ability to treat psychiatric consequences of alcoholism, and may also prevent some of the secondary psychiatric comorbidity and later brain damage. Declaration of interest None.

Note: Review Nutt D, Sch Med Sci, Div Psychiat, Psychopharmacol Unit, Univ Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, Avon, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): 5-HT3 ANTAGONIST ONDANSETRON; BENZODIAZEPINE-RECEPTOR; DEPENDENCE; ETHANOL; ACAMPROSATE; MECHANISMS; VOLUNTEERS; PREVENTION; BINDING; RELAPSE

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