About this Research Topic

Background

The Mediterranean Neuroscience Society Conference 2023.

The study of pharmacological actions of drugs in the brain is a field that constantly uncovers new insights into the mechanisms of action behind various substances. This proposal aims to explore into the intriguing topics of psychedelics, cannabinoids, classical and novel antidepressants, anxiolytic treatments, and substances commonly associated with neuropsychiatric disorders such as alcohol, ketamine, and opiates.

The ultimate goal is to unravel their neurological impacts, shed light on potential therapeutic applications, and explore their relationship with brain disorders, while also investigating the influence of sex/gender on drug response. Biological differences between sexes can influence how medications are metabolized and processed in the body. Understanding these relationships and considering hormonal factors is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes and tailoring medication regimens to individual needs.

The collection accepts submissions covering a wide range of topics, including (but not limited to):

- Mechanisms of Action of Psychedelics: Psychedelics have long captivated the scientific community due to their profound effects on perception, cognition, and emotions. Manuscripts will focus on elucidating the mechanisms of action behind psychedelics (including their interactions with serotonin receptors), by understanding how these drugs modulate neural pathways to gain insight into their potential therapeutic roles in treating mental health disorders (such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders).

- Exploring the complex relationship between Addiction versus Therapeutic Potential Cannabinoids. We encourage submission dealing with the dual nature of cannabinoids as a double-edged sword. On one hand, they are implicated in drug-seeking addiction, leading to substance use disorders. On the other hand, cannabinoids show promise as potential therapeutics in substance use disorders, with growing evidence pointing towards their effectiveness in managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. Submission will examine the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these contrasting effects and discuss the future of cannabinoids in therapeutics.

- Classical and novel antidepressants and anxiolytic treatments: Classical antidepressants and anxiolytics exert their effects by targeting specific neurotransmitter systems in the brain, altering the levels of serotonin or GABA, respectively. This modulation helps regulate mood and anxiety, highlighting the importance of neurotransmitter balance in mental health. Novel antidepressant and anxiolytic treatments explore alternative mechanisms of action beyond traditional neurotransmitter modulation. In this collection, we thus welcome manuscripts elucidating the pharmacological implication and the therapeutic benefits of classical and novel treatments for depression and anxiety.

- Neurobiology of Alcohol, Ketamine, and Opiate Use Disorders. Substance use disorders are major public health concerns with detrimental effects on individuals and society. Manuscripts will explore the neurobiology behind these disorders, investigating their interactions with key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA in the brain. We welcome studies underlying the association of these substances with neuropsychiatric disorders such as epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and Parkinson's disease. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms will provide valuable insights into developing novel treatment strategies and interventions.

Keywords: psychedelics, cannabinoids, classical and novel antidepressants, anxiolytic treatments, alcohol, ketamine, opiates., Addiction, Therapeutic Potential Cannabinoids

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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