Loss of antipsychotic efficacy is linked to an increase in D2 receptor number and sensitivity

In a paper published in the March 14th edition of The Journal of Neuroscience, Samaha et al. describe results that "are the first to demonstrate that 'breakthrough' supersensitivity during ongoing antipsychotic treatment undermines treatment efficacy."

Pictured on the right is the molecular structure of dopamine, the endogenous ligand of the D2 receptor.