Carlsson

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To review studies into the relationship between levels of NT especially glutamate and dopamine on symptoms of sz.
Aimed to review research into other NT involved
Explore possibilities of new antipsychotics

Question 2

Literature review

Answer 2

He used his own research , the research of others, animal research, brain scans, the effect of recreational drugs , research from Parkinson’s patients

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

Supports the theory of high dopamine in those with sz although there weee some anomalies
Glutamate in low levels in sz patients
Glutamate acts as a regulator for dopamine :accelerator (low glutamate high dopamine or a brake (realises GABA low dopamine
Low glutamate in cerebral cortex leads to negative symptoms
Low glutamate in basal ganglia leads to positive symptoms

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

Further research needed for drug treatment and to look at the role of other NT

Question 5

Evaluation of data

Answer 5

Lots of research used from different sources -triangulation of data gives it validity and reliability making Carlssons findings more scientific as he can cross check between data
However secondary data was used lowering the reliability and validity as we do not know how rel/valid these were in the first place
Carlsson could have been biased in what research was selected

Question 6

Evaluation applications

Answer 6

Useful to amend treatments and to make new ones for those that people are resistant to or ones that have bad side effects by discovering the role of glutamate improving the quality of life of sz patients
However reductionist explanation as only looks at NT ignores social and environmental factors
The treatments may only treat the symptoms not the causes
Outdated

Question 7

Evaluation of scans

Answer 7

Used PET scans making it scientific giving it high internal validity as the findings are objective and not based on self report
Animal research making it less generalisable