Dopamine in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Schizophrenia

Covering the latest advances in the field, Dopamine in the Treatment of Schizophrenia, Second Edition provides a detailed explanation of the etiology and clinical presentation of the disease, especially as related to the dopamine system. Written by an international team of experts, the text identifies genetic polymorphisms that affect dopaminergic neurotransmission and their possible impact on familial forms of schizophrenia. It also explores the neurophysiological and neurochemical studies of dopaminergic function and the integration of dopamine-containing neurons with other transmitter systems. It reviews imaging studies and their contribution to our understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and the mechanism of action of antipsychotics. Finally, the book puts the role of dopamine in the context of other brain systems and highlights the many unmet needs of patients, despite best current treatments.