biochemical/NT expo for sz

Question 1

biochem expo of sz

Answer 1

• OG dopamine hypothesis states that the brain of sz patients produce more dopamine than the brain of a normal person
  -Through further research it is now thought that schitzophrenics have an abnormally high number of D2 receptors
  -Dopamine activity is associated with exploratory, outgoing, pleasure-seeking behaviors
  -This over-activity of dopamine-controlled synapses is associated with auditory hallucinations and paranoia (positive symptoms)

Question 2

hypodopimanergia

Answer 2

Lower dopamine(hypodopaminergia) in the mesocortical pathway may be responsible for the negative symptoms of sz

Question 3

Hyperdopimanergia

Answer 3

Excess dopamine (hyperdopaminergia) in the mesolimbic pathway may contribute to the positive symptoms of sz

Question 4

role of glutamate in sz

Answer 4

-Low levels of glutamate have been linked to development of psychotic symptoms
-When we reduce glutamate, dopamine levels rise
-Glutamate doesn’t necessarily conflict with dopamine hypothesis, but rather adds to it
-High dopamine= low glutamate

Question 5

role of serotonin in sz

Answer 5

increased serotonin activity leads to both + and - symptoms