Alec Coppen

British psychiatrist

Alec Coppen was a prominent British psychiatrist known for his pioneering work in the field of biological psychiatry. He made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of depression, particularly through his research on the role of neurotransmitters and the development of the monoamine hypothesis.

Early Life and Education

Alec Coppen was born in 1923. He pursued his medical education at the University of London, where he developed an interest in psychiatry. His early academic career was marked by a focus on the biological underpinnings of mental health disorders.

Career

Coppen's career in psychiatry began in earnest after World War II. He worked at several prestigious institutions, including the Maudsley Hospital in London, where he conducted much of his groundbreaking research. His work was instrumental in shifting the focus of psychiatric research towards biological factors, at a time when psychoanalysis was the dominant paradigm.

Research on Depression

Alec Coppen is best known for his research on depression. He was a leading proponent of the monoamine hypothesis, which suggests that depression is associated with a deficiency of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This hypothesis laid the groundwork for the development of antidepressant medications, including tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

The Coppen Formula

Coppen also developed what became known as the "Coppen formula," a method for calculating the optimal dosage of lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder. This formula helped standardize lithium treatment, making it safer and more effective for patients.

Legacy

Alec Coppen's work has had a lasting impact on the field of psychiatry. His research contributed to a better understanding of the biological basis of mental disorders and paved the way for the development of new treatments. He was a prolific author, publishing numerous papers and books on psychiatry and mental health.

Related Pages

• Depression (mood disorder)
• Monoamine hypothesis
• Antidepressant
• Lithium (medication)
• Biological psychiatry