Glutamate agents in the treatment of mental disorders

Abstract

Methods of treating mental disorders, including anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, are provided. The methods comprise administering an effective amount of a glutamate modulator to an individual in need thereof. Also provided are methods of enhancing the activity of a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) comprising co-administering a glutamate modulator and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Pharmaceutical composition comprising a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a glutamate modulator are also provided.

1 - 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . A method for treating a mental disorder in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of riluzole or its prodrug in a pharmaceutical dosage form in combination with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the mental disorder is dementia. 
     
     
         36 . The method according to  claim 35 , wherein the dementia is dementia is due to Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, dementia due to head trauma, dementia due to Parkinson's disease, dementia due to Huntington's disease, dementia due to Pick's disease, dementia due to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, dementia due to normal-pressure hydrocephalus, dementia due to traumatic brain injury, dementia due to a brain tumor, dementia due to anoxia, dementia due to an infectious disorder, dementia due to a vitamin deficiency, dementia due to an immune disorder, dementia due to a hepatic condition, dementia due to a metabolic condition, dementia due to multiple sclerosis, substance-induced persisting dementia, or dementia due to multiple etiologies. 
     
     
         37 . The method according to  claim 35 , wherein the dementia is due to Alzheimer's disease. 
     
     
         38 . The method according to  claim 35 , wherein the dementia is due to Alzheimer's disease with an early onset. 
     
     
         39 . The method according to  claim 35 , wherein the dementia is due to Alzheimer's disease with a late onset. 
     
     
         40 . The method according to  claim 37 , wherein the Alzheimer's disease is uncomplicated. 
     
     
         41 . The method according to  claim 37 , wherein the Alzheimer's disease is accompanied by delirium, delusions, depressed mood, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         42 . The method according to  claim 37 , wherein the Alzheimer's disease is accompanied by brain atrophy. 
     
     
         43 . The method according to  claim 37 , wherein the Alzheimer's disease is accompanied by cerebrovascular disease.