From Dopamine to Psychosis: A Computational Approach

We present a computational model, based on formal reinforcement learning theory, that offers an explanation for why dopamine blockade leads to attenuation of the avoidance response in the animal experimental paradigm: Conditioned Avoidance Response (CAR). Since the CAR paradigm is used to screen for antipsychotic drug efficacy, we hope to extend our model to provide an explanation of how dopamine dysregulation leads to psychosis. We are also currently extending the model to an explanation of other dopamine related dysfunctions including impulsivity, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.