A role of neurosteroids in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders

Petelin DS, Bairamova SP, Akhapkin RV, Kudryashov NV, Sorokina OYu, Semin SA, Volel’ BA. A role of neurosteroids in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. S.S. Korsakov Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry. 2023;123(4):31‑36. (In Russ.)
https://doi.org/10.17116/jnevro202312304131

Подписка 2026 Журнал неврологии и психиатрии им. С.С. Корсакова (S.S. Korsakov Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry)

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Abstract:

Despite the proven importance of neurosteroids in many physiological processes, their role in the pathogenesis of the most of psychiatric disorders remains relatively understudied. This article reviews the current clinical evidence on the effects of neurosteroids on the formation and treatment of anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In particular, the article points out the ambivalent nature of the effects of neurosteroids on GABA_A- and other receptors. We are especially interested in the anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects of some neurosteroids, the antidepressant effect of allopregnanolone in treating postpartum and other forms of depression, and the nature of short- and long-term mechanisms of antidepressant effects of neurosteroids of different types. The currently unproven hypothesis about the effect of changes in the level of neurosteroids on the course of bipolar disorder is also discussed, with an analysis of the scientific evidence on the development of schizophrenic symptomatology in relation to changing neurosteroid levels in the context of positive and cognitive symptoms.

Keywords:

allopregnanolone

dehydroepiandrosterone

pregnenolone

THDOC

anxiolytic effect

sigma-1 receptors

GABAA-receptors

Authors:

Petelin D.S.

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

ORCID: 0000-0002-2228-6316

Bairamova S.P.

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

ORCID: 0000-0002-8099-2091

Akhapkin R.V.

Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology

ORCID: 0000-0002-7045-0547

Kudryashov N.V.

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University);
Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology

ORCID: 0000-0002-1819-1867

Sorokina O.Yu.

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

ORCID: 0000-0001-8863-8241

Semin S.A.

Klinika «Spasenie»

ORCID: 0000-0002-0061-1798

Volel’ B.A.

I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University);
Mental Health Research Center

ORCID: 0000-0003-1667-5355

Received:

26.09.2022

Accepted:

12.12.2022

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References:

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