What condition is associated with excessive levels of dopamine?

Schizophrenia is associated with excessive levels of dopamine, particularly in certain areas of the brain, such as the mesolimbic pathway. Research has indicated that hyperactivity of dopaminergic transmission contributes to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, which include hallucinations and delusions. This relationship has led to the development of antipsychotic medications that primarily work by antagonizing dopamine receptors, thus reducing the effects of elevated dopamine levels and helping to alleviate the symptoms of the disorder.

In contrast, conditions like Parkinson's disease are characterized by a deficiency of dopamine, particularly in the part of the brain responsible for movement control. Alzheimer's disease involves more complex neurotransmitter deficits and is primarily associated with cholinergic dysfunction rather than elevated dopamine. Anxiety disorders can involve a range of neurochemical imbalances, including those involving serotonin and norepinephrine, but are less directly related to elevated dopamine levels.