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Neuropharmacological modulation of cognition.
- Source :
-
Current opinion in neurology [Curr Opin Neurol] 2006 Dec; Vol. 19 (6), pp. 607-12. - Publication Year :
- 2006
-
Abstract
- Purpose of Review: Problems relating to impulsivity, attention, and working memory occur in many neuropsychiatric disorders and represent important targets for pharmacological intervention. The purpose of this article is to review recent neuropharmacological manipulation studies in humans relating to these domains.<br />Recent Findings: Serotonin manipulations in healthy volunteers did not affect response inhibition, a cognitive function implicated in impulsive symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, trichotillomania, and substance abuse. Serotonin manipulations did affect performance on cognitive tests involving emotionally salient rewards and feedback, suggesting involvement of this neurochemical in affective aspects of impulsivity. Attentional deficits in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and visuospatial neglect were ameliorated by noradrenergic drugs. Noradrenergic beta-blockade suppressed the encoding of emotionally arousing unpleasant stimuli and reduced amygdala activation in healthy volunteers, with potential implications for posttraumatic stress disorder. Dopaminergic manipulations affected aspects of working memory in healthy volunteers and in patients with Parkinson's disease, with evidence for bidirectional effects depending on baseline performance.<br />Summary: Recent findings raise exciting prospects for modulating impulsivity, attention, and working memory in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. Future studies should use computerized cognitive assessment, measures of functional genetic polymorphisms, and neuroimaging techniques, in order to further elucidate the neurochemical substrates of cognition and optimize treatment approaches.
- Subjects :
- Attention drug effects
Attention physiology
Biogenic Monoamines agonists
Brain drug effects
Brain metabolism
Cognition drug effects
Cognition physiology
Cognition Disorders drug therapy
Cognition Disorders metabolism
Humans
Impulsive Behavior drug therapy
Impulsive Behavior metabolism
Impulsive Behavior physiopathology
Memory, Short-Term drug effects
Memory, Short-Term physiology
Neurotransmitter Agents agonists
Psychotropic Drugs therapeutic use
Biogenic Monoamines metabolism
Brain physiopathology
Cognition Disorders physiopathology
Neurotransmitter Agents metabolism
Psychotropic Drugs pharmacology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1350-7540
- Volume :
- 19
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Current opinion in neurology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 17102701
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1097/01.wco.0000247613.28859.77