Schizophrenia Flashcards
Imbalances in what neurochemicals are thought to cause schizophrenia?
Dopamine
Glutamate
ACh
5-HT
What happens to the size of the ventricles in the brain in schizophrenia?
Size increase
What happens to the grey matter in the brain in schizophrenia?
Decreased grey matter (thinning of the cortex)
What happens to the amount of white matter in the brain in schizophrenia?
Drecreased white matter
What receptor do all antipsychotics block?
D2 receptors
Why can cocaine and amphetamine cause psychosis?
They cause the release of dopamine which in creases the synaptic concentrations
How does reserpine reduce psychosis?
It depletes dopamine
What effect do D2 agonists have on schizophrenia e.g. bromocriptine?
The make it worse
Why are antipsychotics used in the management of schizophrenia?
They reduce the synaptic dopamine, causing a reduction in positive symptoms.
