Endorphin agonists for psychiatric disorders

Abstract

Endorphins and endorphin agonists play a crucial role in the neural modulation of mood, anxiety, pain and addiction. Historical, experimental and clinical data strongly support the potential benefits of opiates for severe depression, addictive disorders, pain and psychosis. Recent studies have also elucidated a crucial mechanism of treating depression-enhancing prefrontal cortex influence and dampening limbic and sub cortical influences-similar to the neurobiological actions of endorphin agonists. Despite much publicity of an alleged causal association between prescription pain medications and an epidemic of overdose deaths, no scientific evidence exists to support a causal link between prescription opiates and the overdose deaths. Despite concerns of addiction and misuse potential further research to study endorphin agonists for diverse psychiatric disorders seems warranted.