Abstract: This invention relates to a method for improving the therapeutic response of a human patient with major depression, characterised by genotyping said patient to be a carrier of the gene for apolipoprotein E4 and adapting the further treatment of the person differentially depending on the presence or absence of the said gene in the patient.

Abstract: This invention generally pertains to the field of psychiatry. In particular, this invention pertains to the discovery that agents capable of inhibiting the binding of cortisol to its receptors can be used in methods for preventing antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Mifepristone, a potent specific glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, can be used in these methods. The invention also provides a kit for preventing AP-induced weight gain in a human including a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist and instructional material teaching the indications, dosage and schedule of administration of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for improving the therapeutic response of human patients with major depression by determining the apolipoprotein E genotype of a human patient and administering mirtazapine, in an amount effective to treat major depression, to those patients who are found to carry the gene for apolipoprotein E4. Also disclosed are methods for improving the therapeutic response of a human patient with major depression comprising administering mirtazapine, in an amount effective to treat major depression, to a human patient who is a carrier of the gene for apolipoprotein E4.

Abstract: Glucocorticoid blockers, including glucocorticoid receptor antagonists, are effective to prevent glucocorticoid-induced decrease in permeability of the blood-brain barrier and to increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Administration of glucocorticoid blockers, including glucocorticoid receptor antagonists, concomitant with administration of drugs for treating diseases of the central nervous system increases delivery of such drugs into the central nervous system.

Abstract: This invention generally pertains to the field of psychiatry. In particular, this invention pertains to the discovery that agents which inhibit the binding of cortisol to its receptors can be used in methods for treating dementia. Mifepristone, a potent glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, can be used in these methods. The invention also provides a kit for treating dementa in a human including a glucoccrticoid receptor antagonist and instructional material teaching the indications, dosage and schedule of administration of the glucocoticoid receptor antagonist.

Abstract: This invention generally pertains to the field of psychiatry. In particular, this invention pertains to the discovery that agents which inhibit the binding of cortisol to its receptors can be used in methods for ameliorating pathologies or conditions associated with psychosis. These pathologies or conditions include psychotic major depression, schizoaffective disorders, Alzheimer's Disease and cocaine addiction. Mifepristone, a potent glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, can be used in these methods. The invention also provides a kit for the amelioration of psychosis in a human including a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist and instructional material teaching the indications, dosage and schedule of administration of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that agents which inhibit the binding of cortisol to its receptors can be used in methods for amelirating psychotic major depression. Mifepristone, a potent glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, can be used in these methods.