Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with schizophrenia?

Dopamine is primarily associated with schizophrenia due to its critical role in the pathophysiology of the disorder. The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that overactivity of dopamine transmission, particularly in certain brain regions such as the mesolimbic pathway, is linked to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. Antipsychotic medications, which are commonly used to treat schizophrenia, primarily target dopamine receptors, indicating the importance of this neurotransmitter in managing the disorder.

While serotonin, norepinephrine, and glutamate are also involved in various psychiatric conditions and may play roles in schizophrenia, the predominant focus in current research and treatment strategies is on dopamine dysregulation. Serotonin has a more nuanced role in symptom management and modulation when considering antipsychotic effects, while norepinephrine is less directly implicated. Glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, has been associated with the cognitive aspects of schizophrenia and related deficits, but dopamine remains the key player in the classic understanding of the disorder.