What is relation between dopamine and schizophrenia?

In summary, the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that there is a pre-synaptic regulatory defect in the striatum which is only temporarily addressed by blocking D2 receptors with drugs. This may, in the authors' view, cause compensatory hyperactivity when the drugs are withdrawn.
  • #1
ndung200790
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Please teach me this:
Are there any relation between dopamine and schizophrenia?What is the role of blood-brain barrier in protecting dopamine penetrate into ''system of nervous''(because it is seem to me dopamine cause schizophrenia).If the blood-brain barrier is not in good condition in the protection,how can we improve it?
Thank you very much in advanced.
 
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  • #2
dopamin is good for healthy people but bad for schizophrenics.
it is not a problem of blood-brain barrier.
schizophrenia is not merely a chemical imbalance in brain. it is an organic brain disorder.
 
  • #3
New evidence indicates an imbalance in dopamine activity in different parts of the brain. The following link describes reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex and excessive activity in deep brain structures. The prefrontal cortex involves the "highest" level of brain function, including abstract thinking, planning and innovation. It is the part of the brain that is most developed in humans compared to other mammals.

Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter which is essential to normal brain function, so it's not a simple matter of dopamine being "good" or "bad". Schizophrenia can usually be controlled by a variety of medications, but there is no known cure. The disease is still not well understood despite reasonably effective treatments which allow many patients to function. This review suggests that these medications may act by reducing excessive dopamine activity in certain sub-cortical (mesolimbic) structures.

http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/148/11/1474
 
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  • #4
The paper I cited above was published in 1991 and was considered a break-through paper at the time (Version Two). I found a new more current paper which proposes Version Three of the Dopamine Hypothesis. It's fairly technical, but may be of interest to some. As it stands, the basic idea of low dopamine activity in the prefrontal cortex and high activity in the subcortical structures is retained. The focus now seems to be on the striatum, a subcortical structure with connections to the cortex and other deep structures such as the basal ganglia, limbic system and hippocampus. Here,the authors argue. there is a pre-synaptic regulatory defect which is only temporarily addressed by blocking D2 receptors with drugs. In fact this may, in the authors' view, cause upregulation of the dopamine system which results in compensatory hyperactivity when the drugs are withdrawn. It's interesting, but one would expect observable consequences in patients. Withdrawing treatment would leave the patient worse off than if the patient had never been treated. There are certainly such instances, but this does not seem to be a global phenomenon.

The authors also propose that causes of defects in dopamine regulation are multifactoral. This is not a new idea. It was discussed in the 1991 paper. However, the idea that the primary "downstream" defect is in the striatum is new. According to this view, diminished dopamine activity in the prefrontal cortex is secondary to upregulation in the striatum.

http://schizophreniabulletin.oxfordjournals.org/content/35/3/549.full.pdf+html
 
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  • #5


I can provide you with information on the relationship between dopamine and schizophrenia. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the brain that helps to regulate various functions such as movement, motivation, and reward. It is believed that an imbalance in dopamine levels may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.

Research has shown that individuals with schizophrenia have higher levels of dopamine in certain areas of the brain, particularly the mesolimbic pathway, which is involved in motivation and reward processing. This excess of dopamine activity is thought to contribute to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions.

However, it is important to note that dopamine is not the sole cause of schizophrenia. There are likely multiple factors, including genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors, involved in the development of this complex disorder.

In terms of the role of the blood-brain barrier in protecting dopamine from entering the nervous system, it is important to understand that this barrier is a protective mechanism that regulates the passage of substances from the blood into the brain. Its main function is to prevent harmful substances, including certain drugs and toxins, from entering the brain and causing damage.

In the case of dopamine, the blood-brain barrier helps to regulate its levels in the brain. If this barrier is compromised, it could potentially lead to an increase in dopamine levels and potentially contribute to the development of schizophrenia. However, it is important to note that the exact role of the blood-brain barrier in schizophrenia is still being studied and is not fully understood.

To improve the function of the blood-brain barrier, there are a few potential strategies that are being explored. These include the use of certain medications, such as statins, which have been shown to improve the integrity of the barrier. Additionally, lifestyle factors, such as exercise and a healthy diet, may also play a role in maintaining the health of the blood-brain barrier.

In conclusion, while there is evidence to suggest a relationship between dopamine and schizophrenia, it is important to understand that this is not a simple cause and effect relationship. The role of the blood-brain barrier in this relationship is still being studied, and further research is needed to fully understand its impact on dopamine levels and the development of schizophrenia.
 

1. What is dopamine?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, in the brain that is involved in regulating movement, motivation, and pleasure. It plays a crucial role in the reward system and is responsible for feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.

2. How is dopamine related to schizophrenia?

Dopamine dysfunction is believed to be a major factor in the development of schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia have been found to have higher levels of dopamine in certain areas of the brain, which can lead to an imbalance and affect their perception, cognition, and behavior.

3. Does dopamine cause schizophrenia?

No, dopamine does not directly cause schizophrenia. While dopamine dysfunction is a key factor in the development of schizophrenia, it is not the sole cause. Other factors, such as genetics, environment, and brain structure, also play a role in the development of the disorder.

4. Can medications that block dopamine help treat schizophrenia?

Yes, medications that block dopamine receptors, known as antipsychotics, are commonly used to treat schizophrenia. By blocking the effects of dopamine, these medications can help reduce symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. However, they may also have side effects and are not effective for all individuals.

5. Are high levels of dopamine always a bad thing for individuals with schizophrenia?

Not necessarily. While elevated levels of dopamine are associated with the development of schizophrenia, it is not always a bad thing. In fact, some studies have shown that individuals with schizophrenia who have higher levels of dopamine may have better cognitive functioning and respond better to treatment.

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