Carlsson- Contemporary study (schizophrenia)

• the aim of Carlsson was to review studies into the relationship between levels of neurotransmitters on symptoms of schizophrenia.
• The procedure of Carlsson was to use a literature review of a variety of sources and studies where they were reviewed and results were concluded.
• Carlsson's conclusion is that there are links between neurotransmitter imbalances and symptoms, but it isn't clear which comes first
• Carlsson (2000): Procedure: Literature review

  A variety of sources were used that investigated the neurochemical levels in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Used studies into drugs that are known to induce symptoms of psychosis.
• Carlsson (2000): Procedure: Literature review

  Additionally, evidence from brain scans that focused on dopamine levels and psychosis were used. Research into the effects of recreational drugs, like PCP and amphetamines, were examined
• Carlsson (2000): Procedure: Results:

  Low Glutamate- reduced levels of glutamate associated with increased dopamine production. PCP that inhibits glutamate release appears to cause schizophrenic symptoms.
• Carlsson (2000): Results: High Dopamine- high levels linked to schizophrenic symptoms.
• Carlsson (2000): Results: Negative symptoms- evidence suggesting that “Glutamate failure in the cerebral cortex may lead to negative symptoms.
• Carlsson (2000): Results: Positive symptoms- Evidence suggesting glutamatergic failure in the basal ganglia could be responsible for positive symptoms.
• Carlsson (2000): Aim: Two main areas of focus were:

  •The hyperdopaminergic explanation of schizophrenia

  •The hypoglutametergia explanation of schizophrenia
• Carlsson (2000): Conclusion: The development of drugs: More research needs to be conducted in developing drugs to treat schizophrenia that avoid negative side effects. Consider role of other transmitters in development of disorder.
• Carlsson (2000): Conclusion: Different types of schizophrenia: Different types caused by abnormal levels of different neurotransmitters and not just dopamine.