Schizophrenia is a term for several brain disorders that affect a person's ability to properly interpret reality. The word "schizophrenia" literally means "split mind," although schizophrenia is not synonymous with multiple personality disorder. People with schizophrenia often experience hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, lack of emotion, loss of motivation and social withdrawal. The exact cause of schizophrenia is still under investigation, although researchers have proposed several theories.
Dopamine Theory
The dopamine theory of schizophrenia states that schizophrenia occurs as a result of overproduction of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. In healthy individuals, dopamine controls movement and emotional response and regulates the feelings of pain and pleasure. Overproduction of dopamine causes a disruption in these systems and leads to the characteristic symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations, delusions and agitation.
Dopamine Antagonists
Dopamine antagonists are a class of drugs that may help improve the symptoms of schizophrenia. Dopamine antagonists bind to dopamine receptors but do not stimulate the receptors. The purpose of dopamine antagonists is to prevent dopamine from binding to the receptors, which slows down the action of dopamine and the dopamine systems in your brain. Slowing down your dopamine systems can help reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. The regular use of dopamine antagonists may cause someone with schizophrenia to develop symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors and loss of muscle control. Dopamine antagonists, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), and fluphenazine (Prolixin), are available by prescription only.
Aripiprazole Function
Aripiprazole, commercially sold as Abilify, belongs to a class of drugs known as antipsychotics. Like dopamine antagonists, aripiprazole works by slowing down the dopamine systems in your brain. Aripiprazole may also have an effect on serotonin, another neurotransmitter. Aripiprazole may be used as a treatment for schizophrenia in adults and teenagers aged 13 and older. The National Alliance on Mental Health reports that aripiprazole is most effective in reducing specific schizophrenia symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking.
Considerations
Schizophrenia is a lifelong disorder that requires long-term treatment. Medications may help reduce the symptoms of the disorder, but they do not cure it. Many people experience an increase in symptoms when they discontinue use of schizophrenia medications. If you are taking dopamine antagonists or aripiprazole, you should make regular appointments with your doctor to evaluate your response to the medications. It is often necessary for someone with schizophrenia to attend psychological or family therapy in conjunction with taking medications.
