Dopaminergic Neurotransmission in Schizophrenia, Patients at Risk and Healthy Subjects

This study is an investigation of the dopaminergic neurotransmission in patients with schizophrenia, patients at risk for the development of schizophrenia, and healthy controls using an iodobenzamide-single photon emission computed tomography (IBZM-SPECT) imaging technique under amphetamine challenge.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia (currently unmedicated)
• Subjects at risk for the development of schizophrenia (prodromal symptoms)
• Healthy subjects
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neurological or severe somatic disorders
• Women during pregnancy or lactation
• Occupational exposition to radiation > 15mSv
• Medication known to interfere with IBZM
• Contraindications for the use of amphetamine challenge