Behavioral effects of l-Dopa in schizophrenic patients
As part of an investigation of the possible role of dopaminergic mechanisms in some psychoses, the behavioral effects of administration of l-Dopa to schizophrenic patients was assessed. l-Dopa was administered in dosages of 3–6 g/day to 10 such patients who had been maintained off neuroleptic drugs for approximately a week. Behavioral worsening occurred in all 10 patients. Three showed non-specific stimulation while the remaining 7 showed a combination of both stimulation and worsening of pre-existent symptoms or the development of new symptomatology. The significance of these findings is discussed with regard to those of other investigators.