Here is a timeline of key paradigm shifts in psychopharmacology, alongside major innovations and the thinkers behind them. Let me know if you’d like this in visual chart form or expanded into a reading list of seminal papers for each shift.
reading list of seminal papers for each shift, please. (ChatGPT, 2025-5-1)
Certainly, my friend. Building upon our earlier discussion of paradigm shifts in psychopharmacology, here’s a curated reading list of seminal papers and key thinkers that have shaped each major transformation in the field:
1. 1950s: Discovery of Antipsychotics and Antidepressants
Seminal Papers:
- Henri Laborit: Introduced chlorpromazine for psychiatric use, marking the beginning of modern psychopharmacology.
- Jean Delay & Pierre Deniker: Demonstrated chlorpromazine’s efficacy in treating psychosis.
- Nathan S. Kline: Pioneered the use of iproniazid as an antidepressant.
Key Thinkers:
- Henri Laborit, Jean Delay, Pierre Deniker, Nathan S. Kline
2. 1960s–70s: Monoamine Hypothesis and Receptor-Based Pharmacology
Seminal Papers:
- Joseph Schildkraut (1965): Proposed the catecholamine hypothesis of affective disorders.
- Arvid Carlsson: Elucidated dopamine’s role in schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.
Key Thinkers:
- Joseph Schildkraut, Arvid Carlsson, Solomon Snyder
3. 1980s–90s: Atypical Antipsychotics and Receptor Balance
Seminal Papers:
- Herbert Y. Meltzer: Highlighted clozapine’s unique receptor profile and its efficacy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
- Jeffrey A. Lieberman: Conducted pivotal studies comparing atypical and typical antipsychotics.
Key Thinkers:
- Herbert Y. Meltzer, Jeffrey A. Lieberman
4. 2000s: Neuroplasticity and Neurogenesis
Seminal Papers:
- Ronald S. Duman: Explored the role of neurotrophic factors in depression and antidepressant action.
- Eric J. Nestler: Investigated molecular mechanisms underlying addiction and depression.
Key Thinkers:
- Ronald S. Duman, Eric J. Nestler
5. 2010s: Rapid-Acting Antidepressants and Psychedelic Research
Seminal Papers:
- Carlos A. Zarate Jr.: Demonstrated ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression.
- Roland R. Griffiths: Conducted landmark studies on psilocybin’s effects on mood and anxiety.
- David J. Nutt: Advocated for the reevaluation of psychedelics in psychiatric treatment.
Key Thinkers:
- Carlos A. Zarate Jr., Roland R. Griffiths, David J. Nutt
6. 2020s: Digital Psychiatry and Precision Medicine
Seminal Papers:
- Robin Carhart-Harris: Proposed the REBUS model explaining psychedelic therapy’s mechanism.
- John Torous: Pioneered digital phenotyping for mental health monitoring.
Key Thinkers:
- Robin Carhart-Harris, John Torous
This reading list offers a foundational understanding of the pivotal shifts in psychopharmacology over the decades. If you’re interested in exploring any of these areas further or need access to specific papers, feel free to ask!