The Neuropathology and Pharmacology of Schizophrenia

Despite a well-established role for dopamine (DA) in the neuropathology of schizophrenia, and the evidence of a hyperdopaminergic state in the schizophrenic brain, many questions still remain. Typical agents acting predominantly on DA Dz receptors are only partially effective. lew data now indicate that the interaction between DA and the various DA receptors as well as DA interaction with other transmitter systems, are more critical in deciding the therapeutic success of an antipsychotic than actions on DA alone. These interactions are closely associated with what is being documented regarding the neuro-anatomy, neurobiology and neuropsychology of the disorder.