SCHIZOPHRENIA-LIKE SYMPTOMS, MESENCEPHALI C TUMOR WITH HYDROCEPHALUS,AND DOPAMINERGIC PHARMACOLOGY

A case-report and a review of the literature provide the basis for a d escription of hebephrenic-catatonic schizophrenia with a mesencephalic tumor responsible for triventricular hydrocephalus. Clinical and labo ratory data on schizophrenia suggest an organic cause. An interesting parallel is drawn between strictly neurological and strictly psychiatr ic manifestations. Several anatomic-physiologic models ascribing key r oles to specialized neurone circuits (similar to those involved in Par kinson's disease), a number of neurotransmitters (e.g. dopamine), and their reactivity to intracranial pressure changes are discussed.