Dopamine synthesis capacity before onset of psychosis: a prospective [18F]-DOPA PET imaging study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

While there is robust evidence of elevated dopamine synthesis capacity once a psychotic disorder has developed, little is known about whether it is altered prior to the first episode of frank illness. The authors addressed this issue by measuring dopamine synthesis capacity in individuals at ultra-high risk of psychosis and then following them to determine their clinical outcome.

Method

This prospective study included 30 patients who met standard criteria for being at ultra-high risk of psychosis and 29 healthy volunteers. Participants were scanned using [(18)F]6-fluoro-L-dopa positron emission tomography. The ultra-high-risk patients were scanned at presentation and followed up for at least 3 years to determine their clinical outcome. Six patients had comorbid sch

SUBMITTER: Howes OD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3682447 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature