Contemporary Study for Schizophrenia (Carlsson)

Question 1

What is the aim of the contemporary study for schizophrenia (Carlsson)?

Answer 1

To investigate the role of neurotransmitters in schizophrenia

Investigate effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs

Question 2

What is the sample of the contemporary study for schizophrenia (Carlsson)?

Answer 2

32 studies including:
• animals
• brain scans
• individuals on recreational drugs
• individuals taking antipsychotic drugs
•cadaver (dead body) studies

Question 3

What is the procedure of the contemporary study for schizophrenia (Carlsson)?

Answer 3

Review of studies -> looking for patterns in existing research

Question 4

What are the results of the contemporary study for schizophrenia (Carlsson)?

Answer 4

• Dopamine is associated with schizophrenia BUT so are other neurotransmitters

• Low levels of glutamate are associated with an increase in dopamine, leading to schizophrenia symptoms e.g. alogia

• Atypical antipsychotic of clozapine is an effective treatment for schizophrenia -> alleviates symptoms and has left side effects than older antipsychotics

Question 5

How do the results of the contemporary study for schizophrenia (Carlsson) conflict the biological explanation for schizophrenia (neurotransmitters)?

Answer 5

States the dopamine hypothesis is too simplistic

Question 6

What did Carlsson conclude about his contemporary study for schizophrenia?

Answer 6

•More research required into the role of neurotransmitters

•Clozapine is an effective treatment for schizophrenia

Question 7

strengths and weaknesses

Answer 7

32, animal, brain scan, usefulness