Biological reasons of Sz Flashcards
1
Q
- Dopamine is a neurotransmitter
- Plays a part in Parkinson’s disease
- L dopa increases Dopamine levels in the brain resulting in schizophrenic symptoms
- LINK
A
Initial Hypothesis came from this
2
Q
Initial Hypothesis
- too much Dopamine = symptoms of schizophrenia
- Heavily Criticised as reducing Dopamine levels in schizophrenics with negative symptoms did not have any effect on behaviour
A
- could only explain positive symptoms
3
Q
- Different subtypes of receptors
- D1-D5
- But D2 is mainly focused upon as it is found in the limbic system
A
- there are two pathways in the limbic system which the D2 receptor is commonly found
4
Q
- Limbic System
- Mesolimbic
- Mesocortical
A
- Mesolimbic - too much Dopamine causes overstimulation = positive symptoms
- Mesocortical - too little Dopamine causes dysfunction = negative symptoms
- davies et al (1991)