Year: 1980
Type: article
Abstract: The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia is examined critically. Although the hypothesis is couched in chemical terms, the evidence is primarily pharmacologic. In addition, neuroleptic mechanisms do not fit a simple hyperdopaminergic formulation, and treatment efficacy points to a general psychotic rather than specific schizophrenic role for dopamine. Most compromising to the hypothesis is the therapeutic action of L-dopa when combined with neuroleptics in chronic schizophrenics. Dopamine appears important but cannot be viewed as a simple pathogen.
Source: Schizophrenia Bulletin
Authors: M. Alpert, A. J. Friedhoff
Institution: New York University
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2053786099