Advancing Knowledge at the Intersection of Neuropsychopharmacology and Addiction

Editorial

Advancing Knowledge at the Intersection of Neuropsychopharmacology and Addiction

Giovanni Martinotti ^1,2 and Stefania Chiappini ^3,*

¹ Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Science, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, 66013 Chieti, Italy

² Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Clinical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK

³ School of Medicine, UniCamillus International Medical School University, Via di S. Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy

* Correspondence: stefaniachiappini9@gmail.com; Tel.: +39-3331698033

1. Introduction

The field of neuropsychopharmacology is rapidly evolving, offering novel insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders and their treatment. For example, besides the well-established use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to treat depressive symptoms, emerging evidence indicates that glutamatergic modulator esketamine may be an effective therapy for treatment–resistant depression [1]. Moreover, in relation to a psychedelic renaissance, other studies have confirmed the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies [2,3], further understanding the understanding of the neurobiology of depression and its symptomatology. Advances in neuroimaging, genetic studies, and computational psychiatry have uncovered previously unrecognized cognitive, affective, and behavioral patterns associated with depression. For instance, in mood disorders, beyond classical depressive and manic episodes, researchers have identified distinct neurocognitive impairments, inflammatory-driven depression, and treatment-resistant phenotypes that require specialized therapeutic strategies [4–6]. Similarly, in substance use disorders (SUDs), symptom presentations extend beyond traditional withdrawal and craving to include executive dysfunction, maladaptive decision-making, and social cognition deficits, all of which contribute to the chronicity of addiction [7]. Together with the appearance of new psychoactive substances [8], the high prevalence of dual diagnosis, where individuals experience both SUDs and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia, necessitates a more comprehensive treatment approach. These evolving phenotypic classifications underscore the limitations of one-size-fits-all treatment approaches and highlight the need for precision psychiatry [5,9]. Tailored interventions integrating pharmacogenomics, neuromodulation, and digital therapeutics are becoming essential for addressing these diverse symptom profiles. Moreover, the adoption of personalized medicine approaches, such as biomarkers for predicting treatment response or using artificial assistance to develop individualized therapeutic algorithms, is recommended to optimize outcomes.

2. Aims and Scope

The new journal Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology and Addiction is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding in these critical areas by publishing high-quality research that bridges clinical and translational perspectives. The journal aims to provide a platform for original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that explore pharmacological and neuromodulatory interventions for psychiatric and addiction-related disorders, with a particular focus to studies investigating the neurobiological underpinnings of both psychiatric disorders and addiction, and the therapeutic potential of emerging pharmacotherapies. The specific scopes of the journal are:

• Investigate Neurobiological Mechanisms: Publish studies exploring the neurochemical, genetic, and circuit-level alterations associated with psychiatric disorders and SUDs.
• Examine Pharmacological and Neuromodulatory Interventions: Share research on both established and emerging treatments, including psychotropic medications, neuromodulation techniques, and innovative pharmacotherapies.
• Assess Cognitive and Affective Dysfunctions in Addiction: Provide insights into how substance use impacts cognition, mood regulation, and decision-making processes.
• Promote Biomarker Discovery: Feature studies identifying neurobiological and genetic markers that can predict treatment response and disease progression.
• Bridge Preclinical and Clinical Research: Foster dialogue between basic neuroscience and clinical applications to facilitate translational advancements.
• Integrate Multidisciplinary Approaches: Encourage collaborations between neuroscientists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and pharmacologists to expand the understanding of complex psychiatric and addiction-related conditions.
• Inform Clinical Practice and Policy: Share evidence-based findings that aim to optimize guidelines for treatment and prevention strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

We invite contributions from diverse disciplines, encouraging a holistic approach to understanding and treating psychiatric and SUDs.

3. Outlook

Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology and Addiction aims to be at the forefront of scientific innovation, fostering research that translates into meaningful clinical applications. Future directions in the field will likely include the development of precision medicine approaches, leveraging biomarkers and neuroimaging to tailor treatments to individual patients. New discoveries in digital therapeutics, artificial intelligence, and novel pharmacological agents are expected to transform addiction treatment and psychiatric care.

The journal will hopefully serve as a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging the integration of neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and clinical practice. By promoting high-quality, evidence-based research, we seek to influence treatment paradigms and policy decisions, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals affected by psychiatric and SUDs.

Conflicts of Interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.