Does dopamine dysfunction drive depression?

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 melanc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica 2007-03, Vol.115 (s433), p.116-124
Main Authors: Malhi, G. S., Berk, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
cognition
depression
dopamine
melancholia
Mental depression
Neurotransmitters
Parkinson's disease
Psychiatry
psychomotor
Psychopathology
review of the literature
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0001-690X
1600-0447
DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0447.2007.00969.x