Carlsson et al (2000)

Question 1

What is the Aim of the review?

Answer 1

To review studies into the relationship between levels of neurotransmitters on symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 2

Method of the study

Answer 2

This is a literature review only. It uses secondary data, from other studies. It is looking at studies that focus on the role of neurotransmitters in Schizophrenic symptoms.

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

There is a lot of research evidence to support the role of glutamate in psychotic symptoms.
Some research has found a relationship between levels of glutamate and dopamine production.
Glutamate failure in the cerebral cortex may lead to negative symptoms and failure in the basal ganglia could lead to positive symptoms.

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

Further research must be made into drugs that treat schizophrenia, that avoid unpleasant side effects.
We should consider the role of other neurotransmitters in schizophrenia.
Other neurotransmitters are involved in the symptoms of schizophrenia- serotonin, glutamate and GABA.

Question 5

Evaluatory strengths of the study.

Answer 5

The generalisability of the study is good, as there is a huge wealth of research.
The study uses data from varied sources (animal studies, brain scans) can increase reliability and validity.
The study has very useful applications as it can help the development of treatment of schizophrenia.

Question 6

Evaluatory weaknesses of the study.

Answer 6

The reliability and generalisability of using animal studies are low, so the conclusion is not reliable.
The data used is secondary, so the validity and reliability can be questioned, as it is unsure how the data was gathered in the first place.
The results are complex, and there aren’t clear interactions between neurotransmitters.