Contemporary Trends in Biological Psychiatry

Abstract

Introduction of psychotropic drugs into the treatment of mental disorders and illnesses was made easier by earlier application of physical treatments (insulin, electro-shock therapy). Proliferation of scientific, technical and technological achievements, in particular by the end of 20th century, was reflected in psychiatry as well, and the brain, inevitably, became a focal point of a more thorough research. In practice, the knowledge of biomedicine became ever more significant in organizing a comprehensive treatment of a mentally disordered patients, but was not, on its own, sufficient to provide high quality treatment results. Inconceivably fast development of molecular biology, genetics in particular, being the main characteristics of the time, we live in, has found its place in psychiatry as well. As a result, there are intensive studies in gene susceptibility, in particular related to affective disorders. The interaction between genes and the environment in Alzheimer disease illustrates ali the complexity of human existence in the world.