Neural Networks in Schizoaffective Disorder

Abstract

In schizophrenic and affective symptoms of the schizoaffective disorder, neural networks are described in the brain regions involved. In schizophrenic symptoms, neural interactions are described in the ventral tegmental area, A10 cell group, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus. In the hippocampus, the dopamine and serotonin dysfunction is considered. In depressive symptoms, neural networks in the brainstem, including the “mood center” and the center for the circadian rhythm, the hippocampus and the hypothalamus are pointed out. The interaction between the hypothalamic-adrenal axis and the serotonergic system located in the brainstem is included. The involvement of the specific subreceptors of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, on which prophylactic drugs could exert a therapeutic effect, is discussed.

Keywords: Affective symptoms, brainstem, center of the circadian rhythm, corticotropin-releasing hormone, dopamine, dorsal raphe nucleus, glutamate, hippocampus, hypothalamus, locus coeruleus, medial raphe nucleus, neural network, mesolimbic system, mood center, nicotinic cholinergic receptor, prefrontal cortex, presynaptic inhibition, schizophrenic symptoms, serotonin, ventral tegmental area.