Am J Psychiatry 1975; 132:33-38
Copyright © 1975 by American Psychiatric Association
A schizophreniform behavioral psychosis mediated by dopamine
DL Garver, RF Schlemmer Jr, JW Maas and JM Davis
Illinois State Psychiatric Institute, Chicago 60612.
The authors conducted a study in which schizophrenic-like behavioral
disturbances were induced in members of a macaque social colony by the
chronic administration of d-amphetamine. Animals given the drug showed
hypervigilance, hyperactivity, fragmented and repetitive behaviors, and
progressive social withdrawal as well as the development of solitary
stereotypies. The syndrome was dissected pharmacologically with alpha-
methyl-para-tyrosine, chlorpromazine, pimozide, and haloperidol. Based on
the behavioral findings and the known mechanisms of action of these drugs,
the authors conclude that the major elements of the psychotic- like
behavior induced by d-amphetamine were mediated by dopamine systems.
