The possible role of beta-adrenergic and alpha-adrenergic antagonist sensitive systems in the brain in the mechanism of psychosis.
On the basis of clinical observations on psychotic patients during treatment with adrenergic blocking drugs it is postulated that normally the activities of two systems in the brain are balanced: one of these systems can be blocked by beta-adrenergic blocking drugs and the other is responsive to alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs. Psychosis may occur when either the total activity is too high or too low, or when the balance is disturbed. Specific psychiatric syndromes are outlined as related to either of these systems.
The possible role of beta-adrenergic and alpha-adrenergic antagonist sensitive systems in the brain in the mechanism of psychosis. On the basis of clinical observations on psychotic patients during treatment with adrenergic blocking drugs it is postulated that normally the activities of two systems in the brain are balanced: one of these systems can be blocked by beta-adrenergic blocking drugs and the other is responsive to alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs. Psychosis may occur when either the total activity is too high or too low, or when the balance is disturbed. Specific psychiatric syndromes are outlined as related to either of these systems.