Schizophrenia NTs Explanation

Question 1

Schizophrenia NTs Explanation AO1

Answer 1

Hyperdopaminergia

Hypodopaminergia

Question 2

Hyperdopaminergia

Answer 2

In the 1950s drugs like Clozapine helped treat SZ, but also induced Parkinson’s symptoms, a disease caused by low dopamine levels. Thus excess dopamine may be linked to SZ. Thoguth that high number of D2 receptors in postysnaptic neurone could cause excess dopamine

Question 3

Hypodopaminergia

Answer 3

Davis et al. (1991) suggested negative symptoms may result from low dopamine in the mesocortical pathway

Question 4

Eval. of NTs explanation for SZ 2 Strengths

Answer 4

Strengths - Tenn et al. (2003) rats given 9 amphetamine injections over 3 weeks showed SZ symptoms. Dopamine antagonists (block D1 Receptors) reversed symptoms

• Snyder (1985) found Clorpromazine (Dopamine antagonist) reduced SZ symptoms. Supports idea that hyperdopaminergia can cause SZ

Weaknesses -

• Cant explain why some groups, like second gen immigrants, are more likely to get SZ. Veling (2008) showed Morrocan immigrants more likely to get SZ than Turkish ones. This correlated with amount of discrimination suffered.
• Depatie & Lal (2001) showed that a dopamine agonist did not induce psychotic symptoms in SZ or non-SZ patients. Challenges idea that hyperdopaminergia is involved in SZ