Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHOD: Visual contrast detection thresholds were measured in healthy subjects and schizophrenia patients receiving typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs; a two-alternative, forced-choice psychophysical method was used. Also included were six patients receiving no antipsychotic treatment as well as clinically unaffected first-degree relatives of the schizophrenia patients. RESULTS: Patients receiving atypical antipsychotic drugs showed unimpaired visual contrast detection, those given typical antipsychotic drugs exhibited higher visual contrast detection thresholds, and the unmedicated schizophrenic patients showed visual contrast detection thresholds significantly below those of healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS:
Dopamine modulation via D(2) receptor blockade affects sensory processes in schizophrenia, shifting visual contrast detection from hypersensitivity in the unmedicated state to normal and even to hyposensitive levels. Thus, antipsychotic drug treatment may account for the inconsistent reports concerning visual contrast detection in schizophrenia.
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Authors | Yue Chen, Deborah L Levy, Summer Sheremata, Ken Nakayama, Steven Matthysse, Philip S Holzman |
Journal | The American journal of psychiatry
(Am J Psychiatry)
Vol. 160
Issue 10
Pg. 1795-801
(Oct 2003)
ISSN: 0002-953X [Print] United States |
PMID | 14514493
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Antipsychotic Agents
- Dopamine Agents
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Topics |
- Adult
- Antipsychotic Agents
(administration & dosage, pharmacology)
- Contrast Sensitivity
(drug effects)
- Dopamine Agents
(administration & dosage, pharmacology)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Schizophrenia
(drug therapy, physiopathology)
- Schizophrenic Psychology
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