Abstract
Many of the studies exploring dopamine (DA) function in depression have produced inconsistent findings. Contributors to this inconsistency include the diagnostic heterogeneity of major depressive disorder (MDD); failure to control for age, bipolar disorder, and comorbid diagnoses; and variation in patient medication treatment status at the time of the study. Despite this variability, there is now a convergence of data from animal models, genetics, neuroimaging, and human clinical trials that strengthens the case for DA dysfunction in the pathophysiology of major depression, at least in a significant subgroup of patients. This chapter comprehensively reviews the current evidence, with subsequent recommendations for future studies of dopaminergic signaling in depression and its treatment.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Dopamine Handbook |
Publisher | Oxford University Press |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780199865543 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780195373035 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 2010 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Depression
- Dopamine dysfunction
- Major depressive disorder
- Pathophysiology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)