The present invention comprises methods and pharmaceutical compositions for intranasal delivery of effective amounts of DFO directly to the CNS, in particular the brain treatments that inhibit GSK3b in patients with psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD and schizophrenia. In addition a treatment composition is disclosed which comprises DFO and in certain embodiments combines DFO with one or more of the psychotropic drug types, i.e., antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Moreover, a treatment for treating impairment of neural plasticity through inhibition of GSK3b is provided as well as prevention of apoptosis of cells through inhibition of GSK3b.