Focusing on specific brain pathways can really help in treating mental health issues.

For example, a type of medicine called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs for short) can help about 60-80% of people with major depression feel better. Another type of medicine, called dopamine receptor antagonists, works well for around 70% of people with schizophrenia.

Here are some important brain systems to know about:

• Serotonergic: This system helps control our mood. When it doesn’t work right, it can lead to depression.
• Dopaminergic: This system is important for our feelings of reward and how we move. If it’s not working properly, it can be linked to schizophrenia.
• GABAergic: This system helps manage anxiety. When it’s out of balance, it can lead to anxiety disorders.

By being more precise in our treatments, we may be able to create personalized options for patients. This could make their treatment more effective and improve their overall health.