Does dopamine dysfunction drive depression?
OBJECTIVE
To examine the evidence that dopamine (DA) dysfunction contributes to melancholic depression.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Malhi
G S
GS
Psychological Medicine, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. gmalhi@usyd.edu.au
Berk
M
M
D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology
D004298:Dopamine