Glutamate and Schizophrenia: From Theory to Treatment Implications

This activity offers CE credits for: 1. Physicians (CME) 2. Other ACTIVITY GOAL This article reviews the mechanisms by which NMDA receptor dysfunction might lead to the complex patterns of symptoms and neurocognitive deficits seen in schizophrenia and on methods by which glutamate-based theories can be used to develop new treatment methodologies. LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the end of this CE activity, participants should be able to: 1. Discuss the role of glutamate in the pathology of schizophrenia. 2. Explain the possible mechanisms by which glutamatergic dysfunction leads to dopamine hyperactivity. 3. Describe the treatment implications based on new understanding of possible causes of disease onset and progression. TARGET AUDIENCE This continuing medical education activity is intended for psychiatrists, psychologists, primary care physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other health care professionals who seek to improve their care for patients with mental health disorders. CREDIT INFORMATION CME Credit (Physicians): This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of CME Outfitters, LLC, and Psychiatric Times. CME Outfitters, LLC, is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. CME Outfitters designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Note to Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants: AANPCP and AAPA accept certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. DISCLOSURE DECLARATION It is the policy of CME Outfitters, LLC, to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, and scientific rigor and integrity in all of their CME/CE activities. Faculty must disclose to the participants any relationships with commercial companies whose products or devices may be mentioned in faculty presentations, or with the commercial supporter of this CME/CE activity. CME Outfitters, LLC, has evaluated, identified, and attempted to resolve any potential conflicts of interest through a rigorous content validation procedure, use of evidence-based data/ research, and a multidisciplinary peer-review process. The following information is for participant information only. It is not assumed that these relationships will have a negative impact on the presentations. Daniel C. Javitt, MD, PhD, reports that he has received grant support from Roche and Pfizer; is a consultant for Sunovion, EnVivo, Otsuka, SK Biopharmaceutials, and Omeros; and has equity in Glytech and its intellectual property for glycine, d-serine, and glycine transport inhibitors in schizophrenia.