CARLSSON

Question 1

AO1

Answer 1

The aim was to review studies into the relationship between levels of neurotransmitters, especially dopamine and glutamate on symptoms of sz. A second aim was to use their understanding of psychosis and links to neurotransmitter functioning to produce new antipsychotic drugs that could be more effective with fewer side effects. One procedure point was that the study looked at evidence from other studies on the use of recreational drugs known to induce psychosis. A second point was that the researchers drew evidence from studies into the effectiveness of drugs used to treat SZ and the method of action they have on the brain. The results were that some researchers found evidence suggesting that glutamate failure in the cereal cortex may lead to negative symptoms whereas glutamate failure in the basal ganglia could be responsible for positive symptoms. A second result was because of the relationship between serotonin and glutamate, it is suggested that this evidence could infer that some difficult to treat patients may belong to a subgroup whose disorder may be better explained by reduced levels of glutamate.

Question 2

Reliable data

Answer 2

Carlsson’s study was reliable due to the type of data used. Lots of evidence came from reliable scientific methods, eg PET scans and animal studies, which take objective measures of activity in different areas of the brain. Therefore, this allows Carlsson to carry out further statistical analysis on the results of the studies and thus make more accurate hypothesis on the type of drugs that will help SZ.

Question 3

However data

Answer 3

However, by using secondary data, the reliability and validity of the data can be questioned which thus affects the conclusions reached by Carlsson’s study. Due to the fact the data was from a variety of different studies there is no way of knowing how valid or reliable the original study, the different studies may have also classified data differently so results may highly differ within each study. Therefore, by basing further conclusions on therapeutic options for SZ on these different studies could be problematic as clinicians could prescribe drugs expecting one response but in fact getting a different response, which has potential to make a schizophrenic’s health even worse.

Question 4

Application to society

Answer 4

Carlsson’s study has application to society. The results of the study suggests that there are newer drug compounds that may help patients who the current medications are ineffective for by working on the levels of neurotransmitters other than dopamine. Therefore this allows clinicians to subscribe drugs to their patients that will be more effective in treating their SZ and will allow patients who’s medication is ineffective, to finally get medication that is effective for them.

Question 5

Supported by Sendt

Answer 5

Carlsson’s study is also supported by Sendt. They found that drugs focusing on dopamine do no work for many people with SZ and that drugs should focus on glutamate deficiency. They also are that negative and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenics seem to come from a dysfunction of glutamate. Therefore, this research supports Carlsson’s claim that glutamate deficiency needs more studying in order to help explain SZ.

Question 6

In conclusion

Answer 6

In conclusion, Carlsson’s study is strong due to the fact it has application to society, and that it’s supported by other studies further cements Carlsson’s findings. However, the use of only secondary data questions the reliability and validity of Carlsson’s study.

Question 7

Animal studies

Answer 7

animal