The Future of Peptides
in Psychiatry
After 30 years in psychiatry, this is the most exciting time Dr. DiFrancesco has witnessed in the field. A new class of therapeutic tools is emerging — and every patient should understand what may be coming.
Important Disclaimer: The peptides and compounds discussed on this page are not FDA-approved for psychiatric use and are not proven treatments. This information is provided for educational purposes only. Dr. DiFrancesco is monitoring this research closely and believes it is important for patients to understand emerging science, but these are not currently offered as treatments in her practice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any experimental therapy.
A New Class of Therapeutic Tools
Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins — that act as signaling molecules in the body. They are naturally occurring, highly specific in their actions, and generally well-tolerated compared to many traditional pharmaceuticals.
What makes peptides particularly exciting for psychiatry is their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and directly modulate neurotransmitter systems, promote neuroplasticity, and support neuroprotection — mechanisms that are central to many psychiatric conditions.
The research is still early-stage for most of these compounds. But the mechanisms are compelling, the early data is promising, and the potential to address conditions that have been resistant to conventional treatment is significant.
Compounds Under Investigation
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound-157 has demonstrated remarkable neuroprotective and mood-stabilizing properties in preclinical studies. It appears to modulate dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, showing potential for depression and anxiety.
Selank
A synthetic peptide analogue of tuftsin, Selank has shown anxiolytic properties in clinical studies in Russia. It modulates GABA-A receptors and influences BDNF expression, offering a potentially non-sedating approach to anxiety.
Semax
Semax is an ACTH-derived peptide that enhances BDNF production and promotes neuroplasticity. It has been used in Russia for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection, with emerging interest for depression and ADHD.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists — originally developed for diabetes and obesity — are showing remarkable early evidence for reducing cravings in alcohol, nicotine, and opioid use disorders, as well as potential antidepressant effects.
Dihexa
Dihexa is a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) modulator that promotes synaptogenesis. Early research suggests potential for cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and treatment-resistant depression through neuroplasticity enhancement.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
A melanocortin receptor agonist, PT-141 has FDA approval for hypoactive sexual desire disorder and shows broader effects on motivation, mood, and reward pathways — areas of significant interest in depression research.
Interested in Learning More?
Dr. DiFrancesco is happy to discuss the current state of peptide research and what it may mean for your treatment in a consultation.