Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 17, 2026 2 hours, 56 minutes ago
Medical News: Emerging Research Shows Schizophrenia Is More Than Just Dopamine
Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, causing hallucinations, confusion, emotional withdrawal, and thinking problems. Traditionally, scientists believed the illness was mainly caused by abnormal dopamine levels in the brain. However, new research is now revealing that schizophrenia is far more complex, involving multiple brain chemicals, immune responses, and even inflammation. This
Medical News report explores new findings that could reshape how doctors understand and treat this life-altering condition.
New research reveals schizophrenia is driven by complex brain chemical imbalances and immune system dysfunction
The study was conducted by researchers from the Department of Psychiatry at Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, the Department of Psychiatry at Titu Maiorescu University in Bucharest, and the Department of Neurosciences and Doctoral School at Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania. Their review examined recent scientific discoveries and treatment guidelines, offering a broader and more accurate picture of schizophrenia’s biological roots.
Dopamine Still Important but Not the Whole Story
Dopamine, a chemical that helps regulate motivation, pleasure, and movement, remains a key part of schizophrenia. Researchers found that excess dopamine activity in certain brain areas can cause hallucinations and delusions. At the same time, reduced dopamine activity in other regions may lead to lack of motivation, emotional numbness, and poor thinking ability.
However, the researchers discovered that dopamine problems are only one part of the illness. Other brain chemicals such as glutamate, serotonin, and acetylcholine also play major roles. These chemicals influence memory, mood, perception, and attention. When they malfunction, the brain’s communication system becomes unstable, leading to many schizophrenia symptoms.
Immune System and Brain Inflammation Play Critical Roles
One of the most important discoveries is the role of inflammation and immune system activity in schizophrenia. Researchers found that immune cells in the brain, called microglia, may become overactive. This can lead to excessive removal of brain connections, a process known as synaptic pruning.
Normally, synaptic pruning helps refine brain networks. But in schizophrenia, excessive pruning may weaken brain circuits, affecting thinking, emotional control, and perception. Inflammation may also disrupt chemical signaling, worsening symptoms.
Scientists also identified oxidative stress and iron imbalance as possible contributors. These conditions damage brain cells and reduce their ability to function normally.
Brain Network Imbalance Affects Thinking and Behavior
Another major finding is that schizophrenia involves a disruption in how different brain regi
ons communicate. The study found that the prefrontal cortex, which controls decision-making and reasoning, becomes less active, while other areas linked to emotion and perception may become overactive.
This imbalance affects attention, memory, and judgment. It also explains why patients often struggle with everyday activities, including work, social relationships, and independent living.
Researchers also observed abnormalities in GABA, a calming brain chemical that helps maintain balance. Reduced GABA activity may cause overstimulation of brain circuits, contributing to confusion and cognitive problems.
New Treatments Offer Hope for Better Outcomes
Current treatment mainly relies on antipsychotic medications, which help control symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors. Second-generation antipsychotics are now preferred because they cause fewer severe side effects than older drugs.
One drug, clozapine, remains the most effective treatment for patients who do not respond to standard medications. Early treatment and long-term adherence greatly improve recovery chances.
Researchers are also exploring new therapies targeting inflammation, immune pathways, and non-dopamine brain systems. New experimental drugs aim to stabilize brain circuits without causing serious side effects.
Psychological therapies, family support, and social rehabilitation are also essential. These treatments help patients improve functioning, maintain independence, and enhance quality of life.
Precision Medicine May Transform Future Schizophrenia Care
Scientists believe schizophrenia is not a single disease but a group of related conditions with different biological causes. This explains why treatments work well for some patients but not others.
Future treatments may use precision medicine, where doctors tailor therapies based on each patient’s brain biology, genetics, and symptoms. Digital monitoring tools may also help track symptoms and adjust treatments earlier.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking research shows that schizophrenia is far more complex than previously believed, involving multiple brain chemicals, immune system activity, inflammation, and disrupted brain networks. These findings mark a major shift in understanding the disorder, opening the door to more precise and effective treatments. By targeting the root causes rather than just symptoms, future therapies may dramatically improve recovery, quality of life, and long-term outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/4/1906
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/mental-health
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