Affiliation:
1. Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria “Ramon de la Fuente Muniz”, Mexico City, Mexico
2. Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
Abstract
Background:
Neurosteroids (NS) are steroid derived molecules synthesized in
the central nervous system (CNS) involved in modulating brain transmission by its activity
on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors; this interaction has been identified as an
important factor in the pathophysiology of affective disorders.
Objective:
The aim of the present paper is to describe the relation of neurosteroids with affective
disorders in women and novel treatments in this regard in an understandable and
synthesized review of the subject.
Methods:
A thoroughly made research has been performed in order to find the latest information
in this regard using scientific databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using
the keywords Neurosteroids, affective disorders, depression, postpartum depression
and dysphoric premenstrual disorder.
Results:
It has been seen that NS levels during physiological fluctuation such as during
menstrual cycle or postpartum may modify the response to GABA by GABA-A receptors
in susceptible women. Recent pharmacological assays have been developed in order to
treat affective disorders in women focusing on NS fluctuations.
Conclusion:
Within this paper, we review recent findings in NS modulating mechanisms,
its pathophysiological implications in affective disorders and recent clinical assays in this
regard.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Pharmacology (medical),Psychiatry and Mental health,Pharmacology