Biological explanation of schizophrenia: the dopamine hypothesis

Question 1

The dopamine hypothesis

Answer 1

the dopamine hypothesis suggests that schizophrenia is the result of excess dopamine activity in certain parts of the brain. it is the increased sensitivity and density of dopamine receptors at the synapses that causes the symptoms. this leads to increased dopamine activity at the synapses.

Question 2

Schizophrenics have

Answer 2

schizophrenics have a higher number of d2 receptor sites and so are more likely to pick up dopamine.

Question 3

weinberger (1987)

Answer 3

excess dopamine in mesolimbic is linked to positive symptoms. too little dopamine in the mesocortiol pathway is linked with negative symptoms. increased dopamine activity is linked with increased feelings of paranoia.

Question 4

:) Carlsson et al (1999-2000)

Answer 4

brain scanning shows that if those with sz are given amphetamines there is a greater release of dopamine than if people without sz took them T/F this suggests that those with sz are more sensitive to excess dopamine than others

Question 5

:) Phenothiazine’s successfully treat sz

Answer 5

phenothiazines reduce dopamine activity at dopamine receptors in the brain. these drugs are very effective at treating sz and reducing symptoms. T/F suggesting that increased dopamine activity is responsible sz symptoms.

Question 6

:( cause and effect

Answer 6

excess dopamine activity is only measured in schizophrenics after they have been diagnosed with the disorder. T/F it is not clear whether it is an effect or cause.

Question 7

:( Jackson (1990)

Answer 7

reviewed evidence from various studies and found no consistent differences between levels of dopamine in untreated schizophrenics and the control groups. T/F casting doubt on the role of dopamine in the development of schizophrenic symptoms.