The (revised) Dopamine Hypothesis

Question 1

State the key terms in the dopamine hypothesis.

Answer 1

Excess, dopamine, biochemical, neurotransmitter, D2 receptors, inhibits, sensitive.

Question 2

State the key terms of the REVISED dopamine hypothesis.

Answer 2

Mesolimbic system, excess dopamine, D2 receptors, overactivity, positive symptoms.

Mesocortical system, lack of dopamine, underactivity, D1 receptors, negative symptoms.

Question 3

Evaluate the strengths of the DH.

Answer 3

Cole et al (1964) found that typical antipsychotics had “much improved” 75% of those with positive symptoms, compared to 25% with placebo.

Revised hypothesis is complete as explains both positive and negative symptoms.

Falkai et al (1988) found excess dopamine in left amygdala of schizophrenics in autopsies. Validity in explanation.

Question 4

Evaluate the weaknesses of the DH.

Answer 4

Lack of cause and effect since does dopamine differences cause schizophrenia, or vice versa?

Incomplete as the drug Clozapine reduces schizophrenia by changing levels of serotonin and dopamine, which is linked to schizophrenia?