FIG. 6.

Hoffer and Osmond hypothesis for oxidative stress-mediated psychosis. Ex vivo oxidation of epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) generates adrenochrome, a potent psychotropic compound that is characterized by its pink color in the solution. This oxidized epinephrine is consumed as a recreational drug and its street name is “pink adrenaline.” A speculative, but interesting hypothesis suggests that increased oxidation in psychotic patients may lead to the generation of adrenochrome, which might contribute to characteristic symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusion.