Contemporary Study SZ Carlsson et al. 2000

Question 1

Contemporary Study SZ Carlsson et al. 2000 Aim

Answer 1

Review evidence on dopamine hypothesis, and also consider the role of other neurotransmitters like glutamate, serotonin and GABA.

Question 2

Contemporary Study SZ Carlsson et al. 2000 Key Point 1

Answer 2

1. Dopamine hypothesis - PET studies show amphetamine enhances SZ-like symptoms. This does not apply to all people with SZ

Question 3

Key Point 2

Answer 3

2. Beyond dopamine - Other neurotransmitters like glutamate are also associated with SZ. PCP induces SZS and decreases glutamate and increases dopamine (like an accelerator).

Question 4

Key Point 3

Answer 4

3. GABA also reduces dopamine, acts like a brake. Low glutamate may cause an increase or decrease in dopamine.

Question 5

Key Point 4

Answer 5

4. Glutamate-dopamine - Low glutamate in cerebral cortex may lead to negative SZ symptoms.

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

More attention could be focused on other neurotransmitters and other brain pathways.

Question 7

Contemporary Study SZ Carlsson et al. 2000 Support Mice

Answer 7

Link between low levels of glutamate and elavated dopamine coming from various experiments.

Mice given drug to reduce motor activity and then given MK-801. MK-801 reduced glutamate, increased serotonin and dopamine. Continued use resulted in psychotic like behaviour. SZ may be caused by glutamate irregularity and implies glutamate agonists may be effective treatments.

Question 8

Contemporary Study SZ Carlsson et al. 2000 Competing

Answer 8

Since Carlsson’s review, two more neurotransmitters, anandamide and nitric oxide have been seen as important in psychosis and could lead to new treatments. Glutamate is not only involved.

Question 9

Contemporary Study SZ Carlsson et al. 2000 Weakness

Answer 9

Conclusions based on animal models.
Means it ignores role of culture in SZ.

Question 10

Contemporary Study SZ Carlsson et al. 2000 Application

Answer 10

His focus on serotonin and glutamate led to development of new drug treatments.

These advances help people who are treatment resistant.