Dopamine dysfunction in borderline personality disorder: a hypothesis.

Research on the biological basis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) has focused primarily on the serotonin model of impulsive aggression. However, there is evidence that dopamine (DA) dysfunction may also be associated with BPD. Pertinent research and review articles, identified by Medline searches of relevant topics, books, references from bibliographies, and conference proceedings from 1975 to 2003, were reviewed.

The effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants in the treatment of coexisting pain and depression.

A group of moderately to severely depressed individuals with moderate anxiety were studied to determine the frequency and nature of pain complaints and their response to doxepin. It was discovered that 100% of these subjects had chronic pain complaints, most of which paralleled the course of depression. Headache was most commonly noted.