neural correlates

• what is neural correlates and what are the to parts involved ?

  abnormality In the structure or function of the brain causes sz 1. dopamine hypothesis 2. enlarged ventricle
• what is the dopamine hypothesis ?


  dopamine is a neurotransmitter which creates a happy bus and increased concentration. high levels of dopamine are linked to sz.
• what did Iverson find on post MORTEMS?

  high levels of dopamine in sz patients
• what do neuroleptic drugs do ?

  block dopamine at the synapse to reduce symptoms of sz (Davidson & Neale)
• what is the problem with drug treatment ?

  affects positive symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations more than negative symptoms like mobility. doesn't show why people develop sz and doesn't treat all symptoms
• what is another problem with drug treatment in patients suffering from parkinsons with low levels of dopamine?

  side effects similar to the symptoms of sz. dopamine can cause sz
• what is the revised dopamine hypothesis ?


  more dopamine receptors (d2) -> over activity of dopamine. excess dopamine in certain parts of the brain e.g central areas such as sub cortex
• what is evaluation of the dopamine hypothesis ?

  1. successful drug treatments 2. most evidence is correlational 3. reductionist
• what is the treatment aetiology fallacy ?

  doesn't mean that dopamine causes sz just because it reduces the symptoms. symptoms may be temporary and decrease without use of drugs, drugs may effect the other parts of the body
• evaluation of the dopamine hypothesis ?

  1. nature + nurture 2. determinism 3. practical application - drug treatment and cbt
• what is enlarged ventricle ?

  big cavity filled with fluid that supplies nutrients/ removes waste. enlarged ventricle is a symptom of sz.
• who supports enlarged ventricles ?

  torrey - 15% higher in sz patients than normal
• evaluation of enlarged ventricles ?

  1. OBJECTIVE, SCIENTIFIC 2. REDUCTIONIST. 3. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
• what is included In neural correlates ?

  1. enlarged ventricle, wernickes area, amygdala difference, grey matter difference
• what is the difference in wernickes area?

  Hoffman and Hampson- excessive activity in this area led to sz explaining the voices they hear in hallucinations
• amygdala difference ?


  li et al - meta analysis. less active In sz patients
• grey matter ?


  reduce volume of grey matter especially in temporal and frontal lobes