Biochemistry

Question 1

What is the focus of the biochemical expl?

Answer 1

the idea that the neurotransmitter dopamine is connected to the onset of schiz

Question 2

What is a neurotransmitter?

Answer 2

A chemical acting on biology of the body associated with transmission of signals along nervous system

Especially signals sent across gaps between nerve fibres (synapses)

Question 3

Explain the biochem explanation.

Answer 3

Excessive amounts of dopamine or oversensitivity of the brain to dopamine are associated with positive schiz symptoms.

Dopamine neurons play a key role in guiding attention, perception and thought found in those with schiz.

Question 4

Describe the dopamine hypothesis.

Answer 4

message from neurons that transmit dopamine fire too easily or too often- lead to symptoms of schizophrenia

suggest during synapse too much dopamine released= schiz

sufferers show high levels of D2 receptors on receiving neurons

creates increased dopamine binding and more neurons firing.

Question 5

Explain increased dopaminergic activity.

Answer 5

Amphetamines are a type of dopamine antagonist

Work by stimulating nerve cells (containing dopamine)- synapse flooded with NTs

Produce symptoms similar to schiz in normal people and exacerbates symptoms of schizophrenics.

Question 6

Explain decreased dopaminergic activity

Answer 6

developed based off the work of phenothiazines

antipsychotic drugs found to lessen symptoms of schizophrenia bc they work by decreasing dopamine activity

reduce neural pathways of the brain that use dopamine as NT

The drugs eliminate hallucinations and delusions

Question 7

More things to review

Answer 7

The revised dopamine hypothesis and Lindstroem et al