Exploration of epigenetic mechanisms explaining delayed responses and relapses in psychosis, indicating a need for updated therapeutic approaches.
Historically, the therapeutic effect of dopamine agonists in schizophrenia spectrum disorders has been attributed to “blocking dopamine in the brain” via receptor binding. Positive symptom resolution was thought to be an effect of acute dopamine blockade. However, several observations suggest this model is outdated. Withdrawal symptom persistence after antidepressant discontinuation, relapse patterns during and after antipsychotic use, and the gradual dissipation of smoking-related epigenetic marks can all be understood under a common framework: environmental exposures induce epigenetic changes, some of which are reversible while others become persistent, lifelong modifications.
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Pap Gábor (2026) studied this question.
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