Am J Psychiatry 1976; 133:1177-1180
Copyright © 1976 by American Psychiatric Association
A dopaminergic mechanism in mania
RH Gerner, RM Post and WE Bunney Jr
The authors present a case study that explores the relationship of dopamine
function and manic illness through the use of two drugs with relatively
specific effects in stimulating and blocking dopamine receptors--piribedil
(ET--495) and pimozide, respectively. Piribedil, as well as d-amphetamine,
was associated with manic episodes, while pimozide had an antimanic effect.
These observations suggest that dopaminergic mechanisms may be involved in
the mediation of manic episodes in at least some patients.
