Manic depression--a disorder of central dopaminergic rhythm.

Starting from the fact that there are abnormal sweat K+ /Na+ ratios in both manics and depressives an attempt has been made to explain manic depression in terms of a disorder of the circadian rhythm of the adrenal glands. This, in turn, it is suggested, is caused by a defective circadian rhythm of central dopamine brought about by its having an abnormal response to ambient temperature change.