Dopamine and the biology and course of treatment resistance

Abstract

The onset and course of schizophrenia, like many complex conditions, is influenced both by biological and psychosocial factors. The biological precursors of non-response to treatment in schizophrenia are as yet unknown, but for example, emerging functional imagining work suggests that there may be underlying differences in neurotransmitter patterns in people who have not responded to standard treatment compared to those who do. Long term epidemiological follow up studies may also give clues as to where to direct resources for best outcomes. This chapter will address both the biological and epidemiological associations of poor outcome and response to treatment in schizophrenia, preparing the ground for secondary preventative work in the future.