dopamine hypothesis

the influential theory that schizophrenia is caused by an excess of dopamine in the brain, due either to an overproduction of dopamine or a deficiency of the enzyme needed to convert dopamine to norepinephrine (adrenaline). There is some supporting pharmacological and biochemical evidence for this hypothesis, and it is still widely discussed and promoted, particularly in a revised form that postulates the involvement in schizophrenia of both an increased mesolimbic and a decreased prefrontal dopaminergic activity. See also glutamate hypothesis.

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Psychology term of the day

December 24th 2024

dihydroergotamine

n. a semisynthetic derivative of the ergot alkaloid ergotamine, used in the treatment of acute migraine headache. It is a potent vasoconstrictor due to its ability to antagonize alpha-adrenergic receptors in blood-vessel walls as well as serotonin and dopamine receptors. U.S. trade names: DHE 45; Migranal.