PCP generates a psychotic reaction that is quite similar when compared to various schizophrenia psychosis diagnoses. Researchers have debated whether this reaction is identical in all respects to psychosis. This concept is intriguing because a PCP psychosis is diagnostically difficult to compare against schizophrenia, as PCP mimics schizophrenia symptoms more so than other drugs like LSD and amphetamines. 

University of Illinois at Chicago

Attempts to analyze schizophrenia in terms of dopamine hyperactivity in the past have led to disappointing results. This article focuses on the NMDA glutamate transmitter system instead. This study combines findings from neurotoxic and psychotomimetic effects of PCP and NMDA antagonist drugs. Testing the strengths and weaknesses of this hypothesis will analyze its testing results and therapeutic implications. 

Abstract of hypofunction receptor model of schizophrenia

Corso, T. D., & Farber, N. B., et al., (1999, November 29). NMDA receptor hypofunction model of schizophrenia. Journal of Psychiatric Research. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395699000291#:~:text=When%20the%20NMDA%20receptors%20in,hyperstimulate%20the%20primary%20corticolimbic%20neurons.

NMDA receptor hypofunction model of schizophrenia

Psychosis correlated with the NRHypo state

Many researchers have come to the conclusion that many non and genetic factors affect the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, but it is difficult to explain underlying mechanisms. Adult onset of psychosis, heterogeneity of symptom complexes, how long the mental dysfunction, and how often it occurs are features that help identify these mechanisms. Many also have determined that brain structural changes can be a key aspect of making a conclusion. 

Issues with the NRHypo model

The hypothesis of this article suggests that NRHypo (or NMDA receptor hypofunction) could be viewed as a model for a mechanism which could explain the natural course and symptoms of schizophrenia. NRHypo is a condition that is induced in the human/animal brain that is induced by an NMDA antagonist. This hypothesis implies that the disease may be coreelated with dysfunction of NMDA receptors or other downstream effects when NMDA receptors are blocked (one consequence of this occurring is the overwhelming release of Glu). This article proposes that the NRHypo model lacks the ability to cause psychotic symptoms in adolescents, as there are maturational changes in the brain that need to occur. After the circuitry of the brain has matured, the NRHypo state is able to trigger the entire spectrum of schizophrenia symptoms and clinical deterioration. 

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