Perspective-Electrochemical Sensors for Neurotransmitters and Psychiatrics: Steps toward Physiological Mental Health Monitoring

Therapeutic monitoring of neurotransmitters (NTs) and psychiatric medications is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. However, in-vivo monitoring of NTs in humans as well as continuous physiological monitoring of psychiatrics have yet to be realized. In pursuit of this goal, there has been a plethora of work to develop electrochemical sensors for both in-vivo NT monitoring as well as in-vitro detection of psychiatric medications. We review these sensors here while discussing next steps needed to achieve concurrent, continuous physiological monitoring of NTs and psychiatric medications as part of a closed-loop feedback system that guides medication administration.

Automated summary

Therapeutic monitoring of neurotransmitters and psychiatric medications is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. However, the in-vivo monitoring of neurotransmitters and continuous physiological monitoring of psychiatrics are yet to be achieved. Electrochemical sensors have been developed for both in-vivo neurotransmitter monitoring and in-vitro detection of psychiatric medications. Further research is needed to achieve concurrent, continuous physiological monitoring of neurotransmitters and psychiatric medications, enabling a closed-loop feedback system for medication administration.