A clinical perspective on the role of neurotransmitters in mental disorders.

The authors first review the mechanisms of neural transmission. They then provide a detailed discussion of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin--the three neurotransmitters that have been implicated most often in etiological studies of affective disorders and schizophrenia. After outlining the synthesis, location, and pharmacological response of these transmitters, the authors consider the role of neurotransmission in the theoretical models of depression and schizophrenia.