carlson - contemporary study Flashcards
what was the aim of the study?
to review research that has gone into the relationship between levels of neurotransmitters and schizophrenia
namely dopamine and glutamate
what were the two main theories of research included?
hyperdopaminergia
hypoglutamatergia
what is hyperdopamergia?
high levels of dopamine
what is hypoglutamergia?
low level of glutamate
what was the study
literary review of studies
what kind of studies were involved?
- studies into drugs known to induce psychotic symptoms
- research of PCP angel dust
- amphetemines
what have studies involving PCP/angel dust shown?
that dopamine is not the only NT involved in schizophrenia
PCP acts on NMDA receptors which then brings about symptoms of psychosis more so than amphetamines
what receptor does PCP act on?
NMDA
how has a relationship between dopamine and glutamate been shown in studies?
shown that when glutamate is reduced it can rapidly increase the levels of dopamine
shown by the use of NMDA antagonist and amphetamines
what do NMDA antagonists also affect?
seretonin
where has has serotonin been found to link?
increased serotonin at the presynaptic stage has been found in paranoid schizophrenics
what has been found to cause negative symptoms?
reduced glutamate functioning in the cerebral cortex
what has been found contribute to positive symptoms?
reduced glutamate functioning in the basil ganglia
why is it suggested that there are different causes?
as not everyone seems to respond to antipsychotic drugs
what is now being developed?
a series of compound which reduce dopamine but not to a point of having horrible side effects and then putting this compound in drugs
