Causes of Schizophrenia. Glutamate and the Glutamate Hypothesis

Excessive production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, or increased sensitivity of the brain to endogenous dopamine signals, is the most widely-know and widely-cited theory to explain the cause of symptoms, and to guide treatment. However, the dopamine theory does not explain all aspects of the schizophrenia syndrome. And dopamine signal-modifying medications are not helpful for all people with the syndrome. Based on these observations, we can be certain that other factors are important.

This presentation will introduce the neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate is one of the ‘amino acid neurotransmitters’ and glutamate is used as a communication signal by more cells in the brain than any other neurotransmitter. This presentation will also introduce the ‘glutamate hypothesis’ which states that many symptoms of schizophrenia may ultimately be traced to a sluggish glutamate receptor. The glutamate hypothesis also suggests medication treatments that don’t rely on the more-common mechanism of blocking dopamine receptors.

The lecture is part of Northeast Ohio University's education(+)consultation service, SZconsult. Powerpoint file for this lecture is available at http://szconsult.org/

Видео Causes of Schizophrenia. Glutamate and the Glutamate Hypothesis канала 15-Minute Pharmacology