title: Heterogeneity in plasma homovanillic Acid levels in schizophreniform disorder.
abstract: Plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) levels were estimated in 20 cases of schizophreniform disorder, 14 cases of schizophrenia 'on medication' and 17 cases of schizophrenia 'off medication'. A bimodal distribution of pHVA was seen in schizophreniform disorder subjects, suggesting heterogenous groups in terms of dopaminergic function. No significant difference in the pHVA values was seen in the 3 groups, nor was there a relationship between the severity of the illness and the pHVA values; these results suggest plasticity of the dopaminergic system to neuroleptics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore -560 029.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pradhan
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Harihar
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Das
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Andrade