Neurotransmitters As An Explanation For Schizophrenia

Question 1

A01
Hyperdopaminergia
Chloropmpromazine + respine

Answer 1

Excess dopamine
Helpful in alleviating symptoms but induced symptoms linked to low levels of dopamine (tremors and rigidity) so suggest it is linked to hyperdomaniergia

Question 2

A01
Hypodopaminergia

Answer 2

Dopamine deficiency
Davis et al (1991)
+ive symptoms (hallucinations etc) excess dopaminergic activity in the mesolimbic pathway
-Ive symptoms (flat affect) lack dopaminergic activity in mesocortical pathway

Question 3

AO3
STRENGTH
Tenn et al (2003)

Answer 3

Rats given amphetamines
-9 injections over 3 weeks
- social withdrawal and stereotypical symptoms - dopamine antagonists blocked symptoms
Suggests increased dopamine levels cause symptoms in humans
BUT
ungeneralisable to humans

Question 4

AO3
Counter
Depatie and Lal (2001)

Answer 4

Dopamine antagonist stimulating D2 receptors