Current drug treatment of mental disorders

Psychiatric disorders significantly impact global health, with treatment-resistant patients facing serious complications. Schizophrenia shows treatment resistance in approximately one-third of cases, while antidepressants are effective in half of users. The rising incidence of suicidal ideation in bipolar disorder necessitates the development of new drugs. This narrative review highlights molecules approved by the FDA and EMA from 2018 onward, detailing new indications and formulations. Key approvals include the antipsychotic lumateperone, drug combinations such as OLZ/SAM and KarXT for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and esketamine for treatment-resistant depression. Other notable approvals include brexanolone and zuranolone for postpartum depression. However, no new treatments for anxiety disorders or OCD have been introduced. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing research into new psychiatric medications to enhance efficacy and minimize adverse effects.