Enhancement of psychotherapy using epigenetic modulating drugs

David P Gavin; Kayla A Chase; Rajiv P Sharma

doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2011.03.042

Enhancement of psychotherapy using epigenetic modulating drugs

Med Hypotheses. 2011 Jul;77(1):121-4. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.03.042. Epub 2011 Apr 19.

Authors

David P Gavin¹, Kayla A Chase, Rajiv P Sharma

Affiliation

¹ The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. dgavin@psych.uic.edu

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that covalent modifications to the genomic platform in the brain, that is DNA and its surrounding histones, provide a stable potentially lifelong mechanism for remembrance. Consequently, the making and unmaking of memories is accessible through pharmacological manipulations of these modifications. This has implications for psychotherapy and long-term rehabilitation of CNS disorders. We hypothesize that by enhancing learning through pharmacologically manipulating 'epigenetic' parameters, the effects of psychotherapies and rehabilitation can be enhanced.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Central Nervous System Diseases / psychology
Central Nervous System Diseases / therapy
Epigenesis, Genetic / drug effects*
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / pharmacology
Humans
Psychotherapy*

Substances

Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

Grants and funding