A glutamatergic deficiency model of schizophrenia

Although the presence of hyperdopaminergia has been demonstrated in the bra ins of people with schizophrenia, at least in some circumstances, other neu rotransmitters are important in this disorder. and a glutamatergic deficien cy model of schizophrenia is proposed. It is suggested that the amount of s ensory input allowed to reach the cerebral cortex is restricted by an inhib itory effect of the striatal complexes on the thalamus, thereby protecting it from being overwhelmed. Several strands of evidence are presented to sup port the concept that a weakened glutamatergic tone increases the risk of s ensory overload and of exaggerated responses in the monoaminergic systems t hat could result in psychosis.