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== Link to Mental Illness ==
== Link to Mental Illness ==
Dopamine has also been linked to mental illness, particularly [[schizophrenia]], which is characterized by [[psychosis|psychotic]] episodes. Studies have shown that drugs which block D2 receptors (preventing dopamine from binding to them) reduce psychotic symptoms, and drugs which increase dopamine relase (e.g., cocaine) can lead to psychotic episodes. Most medications used in [[psychiatry]] to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders work by inhibiting dopaminergic activity.
Dopamine has also been linked to mental illness, particularly [[schizophrenia]], which is characterized by [[psychosis|psychotic]] episodes. Studies have shown that drugs which block D2 receptors (preventing dopamine from binding to them) reduce psychotic symptoms, and drugs which increase dopamine relase (e.g., cocaine) can lead to psychotic episodes. Most medications used in [[psychiatry]] to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders work by inhibiting dopaminergic activity. It is thought that it is hyperactivation of the ventral tegmental area and [[dorsal striatum]] regions that cause the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
There has also been animal models that have linked dopamine agonism to [[obsessive compulsive disorder]]. Most researchers have labeled [[serotonin]] as the primary mediator of OCD but combined treatments of a dopamine antagonist and [[serotonin reuptake site inhibitor]] have shown to be better than just the SRSI alone.
== Therapeutic Uses ==
== Therapeutic Uses ==
Dopamine is used to increase cardiac output and blood pressure. Levodopa (or L-DOPA), which is a dopamine [[precursor]], is often used to treat Parkinsons' disease.
Dopamine is used to increase cardiac output and blood pressure. Levodopa (or L-DOPA), which is a dopamine [[precursor]], is often used to treat Parkinsons' disease.