The Relationship Between Clinical And Biochemical-Changes Following Neuroleptic Treatment In Schizophrenia

Clinical improvement in psychotic symptoms is not immediate when neuroleptic treatment is commenced. Previous studies have demonstrated the development of biochemical tolerance to the effects of neuroleptics on the dopamine system. This study demonstrates a relationship between this biochemical change and the clinical changes occurring in the patients. The results can be explained in terms of dopamine receptor changes in a way that is compatible with the Dopamine Hypothesis for schizophrenia.