DESCRIPTION:
The field of molecular genetics is undergoing an explosion, not only in its fundamental understanding of the genetic processes but also in the potential applications as research tools and therapeutic approaches to many disease areas. Mental disorders are no exception and it is likely that most new psychotropic drugs will be derived through molecular genetic approaches in the years to come. In spite of the importance of molecular genetics there is still an ignorance or misunderstanding of its uses among non-molecular scientists and clinicians. This is an examination of the place of molecular genetics in our understanding of the basic mechanisms of mental disorders and their role in highlighting new drug targets.
