Working memory, catecholamines and psychosis: illustrative case.
OBJECTIVE
To briefly review the role of catecholamines in prefrontal functions and working memory as illustrated by a case study.


METHODS
The work of Goldman-Rakic and Arnsten on working memory is briefly reviewed. A case study that illustrates catecholamine functions in an autistic disorder child, who suffered a prolonged psychosis, is described.


RESULTS
While the role of dopaminergic neurotransmission in working memory has been described, the present case also illustrates a role for a noradrenergic re-uptake inhibitor in treating the post-psychotic distractibility of a severely impaired early adolescent.


CONCLUSIONS
The role of catecholamine neurotransmitters in the treatment of prefrontal symptoms should be further investigated.
Levy
Florence
F
School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. f.levy@unsw.edu.au
D000293:Adolescent; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D002395:Catecholamines; D009638:Norepinephrine