Development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutics for the prodromal stage of schizophrenia based on cognitive function and brain imaging

The role for serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtypes in cognitive function has attracted interest, based, partly, on the distinct clinical profiles of second generation (atypical) antipsychotic drugs. We have reported that psychotropic drugs with high affinity for 5-HT_<1A> receptors improve verbal memory, executive function, and attention/information processing, as well as QOL, and enhance P300 current density in the prefrontal cortex of subjects with schizophrenia. These findings are likely to facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies to improve long-term outcome in people with schizophrenia.