Clinical: Neutrotransmitter Explanation (Sz)

Question 1

Define neurotransmitter

Answer 1

Brain chemicals released from synaptic vesicles which relay signals from one neuron to another over the the synapse when triggered by action potential.

Question 2

How could dopamine disregulation lead to schizophrenia?

Answer 2

The schizophrenic brain produces more dopamine than normal.
Schizophrenics have a high level of D2 receptors.

Question 3

What does amphetamines do the the brain and how is this linked to schizophrenia?

Answer 3

Amphetamines are agonists (increase dopamine) lead to delusions and hallucinations. If given to schizophrenics patients their symptoms get worse.

Question 4

What is the supporting evidence of the neurotransmitter exclamation?

Answer 4

A lab study done on rats showed that when given amphetamine injections over three weeks, the rash showed schizophrenia like symptoms. Suggesting increased dopamine levels may be a cause of schizophrenia.

Question 5

What is a weakness of the neuro transmitter explanation? Cultural.

Answer 5

They cannot explain why certain groups in society are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia. For example, Wim Veling et al
Moroccan immigrants are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and Turkish immigrants. This suggests that environmental factors, such as social stress may interact with neurotransmitters, making some people more prone to psychosis.

Question 6

What is the application of the neurotransmitter explanation?

Answer 6

It’s lead to effective drug treatments for people with schizophrenia. For example, clozapine block, serotonin receptors, and has been successful in treating both positive and negative symptoms, allowing people with schizophrenia to live in the community.

Question 7

What happens when there is too much dopamine in the Mesolimbic pathway?

Answer 7

Causes positive symptoms

Question 8

What happened when there is too much dopamine in the mesocortical pathway?

Answer 8

Causes negative symptoms

Question 9

How is schizophrenia linked with Parkinson’s?

Answer 9

Parkinson’s sufferers have low levels of dopamine and are treated with L-dopa which raises dopamine activity. If they take too much then they develop schizophrenic symptoms.