Loudness dependence of the auditory evoked N1/P2 component as an indicator of serotonergic dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia--a replication study

Psychiatry Res. 2008 Feb 28;158(1):79-82. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2007.08.013. Epub 2007 Dec 21.

Abstract

Serotonergic dysfunction appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. The loudness dependence of auditory evoked potentials (LDAEP) has been suggested to be a valid indicator of the brain serotonin system's activity in humans. Patients with schizophrenia showed weaker LDAEP, indicating high serotonergic activity, in comparison to healthy controls. Thus, we were able again to demonstrate electrophysiological evidence for an upregulated serotonergic system in schizophrenia.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Loudness Perception / physiology*
  • Male
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Serotonin / physiology*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology

Substances

  • Serotonin