This chapter divides the history of Psychopharmacology into three different
eras. The first, Empiric Psychopharmacology, was that of the serendipitous discovery of
diverse molecules in the 1950s, in which the main current classes of compounds were
roughly created. A second era, Scientific Psychopharmacology, was defined by the
purposeful design of agents based on pathophysiological hypothesis developed from the
identified mechanisms of action of the first psychiatric drugs. A third, modern era, of
disenchantment, is marked by a growing criticism of Psychopharmacology and its
commercial dimension. Finally, some remarks are made on the possible future of
Psychopharmacology.
Keywords: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, Antipsychotics, Anxiolytics,
Ataractics, Benzodiazepines, Berger, Frank, Cade, John, Catecholamine
hypothesis of depression, D. Jean, D. Pierre, Discontinuation syndrome,
Dopaminergic hypothesis of schizophrenia, Evidence Based Medicine (EBM),
Kühn, Roland, Laborit, Henri, MAOI antidepressants, Meprobamate, Me-too,
Mood stabilizers, Neuroleptics, Nootropics, Schou, Mogens, Supersensitivity
psychosis, Tranquillizers, Tricyclic antidepressants.
