Therapeutic Potential of Dexmedetomidine in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: From the Bench to the Clinic.

Neuropsychiatric disorders encompass a range of conditions resulting from various dysfunctions within the nervous system, manifesting in diverse neurological impairments. These disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and Alzheimer's disease, impose significant economic and psychological burdens on both individuals and society overall. Recent clinical and preclinical studies have highlighted that dexmedetomidine (Dex), a highly selective α2 adrenergic receptor agonist, may offer therapeutic benefits beyond its well-known sedative properties. Dex has demonstrated neuroprotective effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as contributing to maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, clinical observations suggest that Dex could be beneficial in managing neuropsychiatric disorders, with fewer side effects compared to traditional antipsychotics in both rodent and human studies. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the therapeutic efficacy of Dex in neuropsychiatric disorders. We also discuss the underlying mechanisms of its effect and point out future research directions to further investigate Dex's role in this field.