Dopaminergic function in the psychosis spectrum: an [18F]-DOPA imaging study in healthy individuals with auditory hallucinations.
Schizophr Bull January 26, 2012 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbr195 via PubMed Central
Summary
Auditory hallucinations in healthy individuals are linked to increased dopamine synthesis capacity in the striatum, particularly in the associative and limbic subdivisions. This study used [18F]-DOPA PET imaging to measure dopaminergic function in healthy people who experience hallucinations, finding elevated dopamine synthesis in these regions compared to non-hallucinators. The results suggest that dopamine dysregulation may be a trait marker across the psychosis continuum, not limited to clinical populations.
Study at a glance
| Design | observational cohort |
|---|---|
| Population | healthy individuals with and without auditory hallucinations |
| Key finding | Healthy individuals who experience auditory hallucinations show increased striatal dopamine synthesis capacity, especially in associative and limbic regions. |
Abstract
Dopaminergic function in the psychosis spectrum: an [18F]-DOPA imaging study in healthy individuals with auditory hallucinations.