G S Malhi1, M Berk. 1. Psychological Medicine, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. gmalhi@usyd.edu.au
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the evidence that dopamine (DA) dysfunction contributes to melancholic depression. METHOD: Database (EMBASE, PsychLit and MEDLINE) searches using relevant key words were conducted and citations were scrutinized. RESULTS: In this paper, we assume that the definition of melancholia is contingent upon the presence of psychomotor disturbance (PMD). In melancholic depression PMD comprises both a cognitive and motor component and DA is found to be important in both. DA neurotransmission modulates cognition in particular in attention, adaptation and motivational processes and has a pivotal role in motor function. CONCLUSION: DA is a credible aetiological candidate for the PMD in melancholic depression. However, melancholia needs first to be characterized both clinically and in terms of its pathophysiology. In this regard, illnesses such as bipolar depression and Parkinson's disease warrant consideration as they provide suitable models of both the cognitive and motor aspects of PMD, and hold the necessary markers to better define melancholia.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the evidence that dopamine (DA) dysfunction contributes to melancholic depression. METHOD: Database (EMBASE, PsychLit and MEDLINE) searches using relevant key words were conducted and citations were scrutinized. RESULTS: In this paper, we assume that the definition of melancholia is contingent upon the presence of psychomotor disturbance (PMD). In melancholic depression PMD comprises both a cognitive and motor component and DA is found to be important in both. DA neurotransmission modulates cognition in particular in attention, adaptation and motivational processes and has a pivotal role in motor function. CONCLUSION:DA is a credible aetiological candidate for the PMD in melancholic depression. However, melancholia needs first to be characterized both clinically and in terms of its pathophysiology. In this regard, illnesses such as bipolar depression and Parkinson's disease warrant consideration as they provide suitable models of both the cognitive and motor aspects of PMD, and hold the necessary markers to better define melancholia.
Authors: Michael Maes; Zdenĕk Fišar; Miguel Medina; Giovanni Scapagnini; Gabriel Nowak; Michael Berk Journal: Inflammopharmacology Date: 2012-01-24 Impact factor: 4.473
Authors: Jussi Hirvonen; Hasse Karlsson; Jaana Kajander; Juha Markkula; Helena Rasi-Hakala; Kjell Någren; Jouko K Salminen; Jarmo Hietala Journal: Psychopharmacology (Berl) Date: 2008-02-05 Impact factor: 4.530