title: Biochemical theories of schizophrenia and depression.
abstract: Schizophrenia and endogenous depression are now considered to have a genetic-biochemical basis. Many theories have been proposed to explain their pathogenesis. The dopamine hypothesis, despite many short-comings, has been the most fruitful of the various hypotheses to explain schizophrenia. The amine hypothesis of depression has had a long life and has been of considerable heuristic value. Inevitably, these hypotheses will be refined or replaced, for this is the nature of science. What is most important is that the scientific method has been brought to bear on psychiatric problems.
mesh_terms: D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000502:physiology; D001679:Biogenic Amines / Q000502:physiology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003863:Depression / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology; D004723:Endorphins / Q000502:physiology; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D001679:Biogenic Amines; D004723:Endorphins; D006213:Hallucinogens; D000109:Acetylcholine; D004298:Dopamine