What is "neuropsychopharmacology"

n. (context science English) The clinical and scientific study of the physiological and psychological properties of agents acting within the central nervous system

Neuropsychopharmacology, an interdisciplinary science related to psychopharmacology (how drugs affect the mind) and fundamental neuroscience, is the study of the neural mechanisms that drugs act upon to influence behavior. It entails research of mechanisms of neuropathology, pharmacodynamics (drug action), psychiatric illness, and states of consciousness. These studies are instigated at the detailed level involving neurotransmission/ receptor activity, bio-chemical processes, and neural circuitry. Neuropsychopharmacology supersedes psychopharmacology in the areas of "how" and "why", and additionally addresses other issues of brain function. Accordingly, the clinical aspect of the field includes psychiatric (psychoactive) as well as neurologic (non-psychoactive) pharmacology-based treatments. Developments in neuropsychopharmacology may directly impact the studies of anxiety disorders, affective disorders, psychotic disorders, degenerative disorders, eating behavior, and sleep behavior.

Neuropsychopharmacology is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the Nature Publishing Group. It has been the official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology since 1987. The journal covers topics in neuropsychopharmacology, including clinical and basic science research into the brain and behavior, the properties of agents acting within the central nervous system, and drug targeting and development.