Dysregulation of the dopamine system is a well-established component of schizophrenia pathophysiology, with regional differences in dopamine targets thought to shape disease symptoms. Increased presynaptic striatal dopamine synthesis and release are among the most consistent findings in patients. These alterations seem to occur early in the disease and are also observed in prodromal subjects that are at clinically high risk for developing schizophrenia. This article is a commentary on the study by Schifani and colleagues (Brain 141(7):2213-2224, 2018) which found the first direct evidence for disrupted prefronto-cortical dopamine stress regulation in schizophrenia.
Gomes FV and Grace AA: Cortical dopamine dysregulation in schizophrenia and its link to stress. Brain 141(7): 1897-1899 (2018).
