5 mark modification - antipsychotics

• 1. exp = dopamine hypothesis
• 2. suggests SZ symptoms - result of imbalance in NT dopamine levels / receptor activity (fire too fast/often)

  > functions controlled by dopamine = disrupted due to irregular dopamine levels > positive / negative sz symptoms
• 3. theory used to modify SZ through antipsychotics

  > work by targeting hyperactive dop neurons to reduce dopamine levels / activity > blocks them > result - decrease in amount of dopamine stimulating neurons

  > therefore - reduces symptoms caused by too much dopamine (positive)
• 4. e.g

  > drugs target mesolimbic pathway (in limbic system) - where D2 receptors located

  D2 - plays role in positive symptoms due to hyperfunction of dopamine

  AP target these overactive neurons to reduce symptoms