Bio Expl For Sz Neural Correlates Dopamine Hypothesis

Question 1

Dopamine hypothesis
INTRO AO1

Answer 1

-brain chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) appear to work differently in brain of patient with sz
-particular dopamine is widely believed to be involved as individuals with sz may release too much dopamine or have large amount of D2 receptors in the post synaptic

Question 2

HYPERdopaminergia in the subcortex

Answer 2

High dopamine activity in central areas of brain e.g Broca’s area maybe associated with auditory hallucinations

Question 3

HYPOdopaminergia in the cortex

Answer 3

Low dopamine activity in prefrontal cortex have been associated with the negative symptoms of sz such as abolition

Question 4

Stretch

Answer 4

Sugg cortical hypo dopaminergia leads to subcortial hyperdominergia
- both high nd low dopamine in diff brain regions are involved in diff symptoms of sz

Question 5

AO3 limitation

Answer 5

P- alternative exp for development of sz is family dysfunction
E-argue sz is due to faulty communication patterns within fam e.g schizophrenogenic mum, she’s cold nd creates fam climate characterised by tension nd secrecy.
E-leads to distrust that later develops into paranoid delusions, rather than delusions being due to levels of dopamine
L-therefore bio explanation of sz not only explaination that needs to be considered

Question 6

Strength AO3

Answer 6

P-practical applications
E-principles of theory sz caused by imbalance of dopamine led to treatment of drug therapies such as typical nd Atypical antipsychotics.
E-drugs are effective in treating sz by balancing level of dopamine in pt brain nd therefore reducing symptoms of sz e.g hallucinations nd delusions
L-therefore Impo part of applied psych inc credibility of bio expl of sz