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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Heinz Grunze
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The pathophysiology of depression has been assigned to the noradrenalin and serotonin system. Results of different studies also support a role of the dopaminergic system in depression: In particular, psychomotor retarded depressive patients exhibited lower levels of homovanillic acid (metabolite of dopamine). While the moodimproving effect of methylphenidat, D-amphetamin and cocaine is also supportive for an involvement of the dopaminergic system, reserpine leads to diminished dopamine levels and may induce a depressive syndrome as well as dopamine receptor-blockers. Dopamine-mediated motor disturbances and accompanying changes in mood in Parkinson's disease likewise support pathophysiological similarities pathophysiological similarities of depression and Parkinson's disease. Psychomotor inhibition, reduced facial expression and decreased speech production in depression are in line with a hypodopaminergic state of the respective motor areas. There is evidence from open studies for the ergotalkaloids bromocriptine and pergolide to have anti-depressive effects. Controlled studies for the selective dopamine D2/D3-agonists pramipexole and ropinirole are existing. Bupropion, a selective dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (DNRI), has proven antidepressant efficacy in controlled studies and has been licensed for the treatment of depression. © 2009 Dustri-Verlag Dr. Karl Feistle.
Author(s): Clausius N, Born C, Grunze H
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Neuropsychiatrie
Year: 2009
Volume: 23
Issue: 1
Pages: 15-25
ISSN (print): 0948-6259
ISSN (electronic):
PubMed id: 19272288
