Is dopamine high or low in schizophrenia? refer to this: Dopamine is known as the neurotransmitter of pleasure, in the sense that it moves us to achieve something that we consider positive. so how does this activate schizophrenia? – Many studies have investigated the possible role of brain neurotransmitters in the development of schizophrenia. Most of these studies have focused on the neurotransmitter called dopamine. – The “dopamine theory of schizophrenia” states that schizophrenia is caused by an overactive dopamine system in the brain.