anti-psychotics

Question 1

which dopaminergic pathways are involved in schizophrenia?

Answer 1

mesolimbic pathway = increased DA signalling leads to positive symptoms
mesocortical pathway = decreased DA signalling leads to negative symptoms

Question 2

what other pathways do anti-psychotics affect?

Answer 2

nigrostriatal pathway - antipsychotics cause decreased DA signalling which may result in loss of movement coordination
chemoreceptor trigger zone - antipsychotics cause decreased DA signalling which may result in less vomiting

Question 3

what are extrapyramidal effects?

Answer 3

• motor disturbances (D2 receptors in nigrostriatal pathway blocked)
• increased lactation (decreased DA signalling = increased lactation)
• acute dystonias - sustained muscle contraction
• tardive dyskinesia