Many features of manic-depressive illness can be mimicked in man by the use and withdrawal of amphetamines. In higher doses these drugs induce a syndrome virtually indistinguishable from paranoid schizophrenia. In this paper, some of the biochemical and physiological effects of the amphetamines are examined with the hope of clarifying the nature of the biological changes in these two major functional psychoses. The actions of the amphetamines are shown to reveal the operation of specific homeostatic or adaptive nervous mechanisms. These appear likely also to operate in adaptation to psychological stress. Evidence is presented that these mechanisms are malfunctioning in manic-depressive and acute schizophrenic states and that this accounts for many of the clinical features of these conditions.

Keywords:
Manic depressive illness, Schizophrenia, Amphetamine, Monoamine oxidase, REM sleep, Lithium, Antidepressant drugs (tricyclic and MAO 1)
This content is only available via PDF.
1978
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.