Science and Psychiatry: A Collection of Revolutionary Papers by Solomon H. Snyder

Solomon Snyder, a pioneer in modern psychopharmacology, has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of neuroscience. His work has led to significant advances in our understanding of the brain and the development of psychotropic agents. In “Science and Psychiatry,” a collection of his most influential papers, Snyder shares his insights and discoveries that have transformed the study of the brain.

The Pioneering Work of Solomon Snyder

Snyder’s research has been instrumental in identifying receptors for neurotransmitters and drugs, explaining the actions of psychotropic agents, and understanding the roles of receptors in drug action. His work has opened up new areas of understanding and has paved the way for more effective and safer agents in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Four Groups of Extraordinary Discoveries

Snyder’s work is particularly renowned for four groundbreaking discoveries:

• Identification of opiate receptors, providing keys to understanding pain perception
• Characterization of the IP3 receptor, exploring its role as a target for lithium treatment in manic-depressive disorders
• Establishment of nitric oxide as a transmitter in the brain, radically transforming conceptualizations of neurotransmission
• Discovery that D-serine is the normal stimulus for the glycine site of the NMDA receptor, providing new insight into the regulation of the receptor important for learning and memory

These discoveries have far-reaching implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, pain management, and our understanding of the brain.

A Collection of Seminal Papers

“Science and Psychiatry” is a comprehensive collection of Snyder’s most influential papers, spanning over forty years of research. Each group of papers is accompanied by a commentary from a well-known authority, providing context and perspective on the significance of each discovery.

The final set of papers focuses on apoptosis, the general process of cell suicide, where Snyder’s work with bilirubin holds promise for treating neurodegenerative disorders. In a thought-provoking conclusion, Snyder reflects on the factors conducive to creativity and efficacy in scientific discovery, providing insights into the “audacity principle” in science.

This collection is essential reading for researchers, clinicians, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the brain and the latest advances in psychopharmacology and molecular biology.

Product Details:

• Publisher: American Psychiatric Publishing
• Publication Date: February 20, 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9781585622733, 9781585628827