The neurobiology of schizophrenia

The hypothesis that altered dopamine function is a major factor in the etiology of schizophrenia has persisted for some time, and changes in other neurochemical systems are strongly implicated as well. These findings are supported by the recent development of new, effective antipsychotic agents, such as clozapine and risperidone, whose actions are attributed to their combined serotonin and dopamine antagonism. In addition to their clinical efficacy, these agents are associated with substantially fewer extrapyramidal adverse effects. Continued research to identify the neurochemical alterations of psychotic diseases will undoubtedly have a favorable impact on the development of improved therapeutic regimens.