Which dopamine pathway is responsible for negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
Mesolimbic pathway
Nigrostriatal pathway
Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Mesocortical pathway
The Correct Answer is D
A. Mesolimbic pathway is responsible for reward, motivation, and emotion. In schizophrenia, hyperactivity of this pathway leads to positive symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
B. Nigrostriatal pathway regulates motor control. Dopamine blockade in this pathway leads to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as tremors, rigidity, and tardive dyskinesia, which are side effects of first-generation antipsychotics (typical antipsychotics).
C. Tuberoinfundibular pathway controls prolactin secretion. Dopamine inhibits prolactin release, so blocking D2 receptors with antipsychotics leads to hyperprolactinemia, causing gynecomastia, galactorrhea, and menstrual irregularities.
D. Mesocortical pathway is responsible for cognition, motivation, and emotional regulation. In schizophrenia, hypoactivity of this pathway is linked to negative symptoms such as apathy, anhedonia, social withdrawal, and cognitive impairment. Antipsychotics that block dopamine further worsen these symptoms, making negative symptoms more difficult to treat.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by extreme food restriction, leading to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or dependence on supplements. Unlike anorexia, it is not driven by body image concerns but rather by sensory sensitivity, fear of choking, or lack of interest in eating.
B. Pica involves the persistent consumption of non-nutritive, non-food substances (e.g., chalk, paper, dirt) for at least one month. It is commonly associated with nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron or zinc deficiency), pregnancy, and developmental disorders such as autism.
C. Rumination disorder is characterized by repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. It is seen in infants, children, and individuals with intellectual disabilities and is not due to a gastrointestinal or medical condition.
D. Food picking disorder. There is no recognized disorder called "food picking disorder" in the DSM-5. While some individuals may display picky eating behaviors, this does not qualify as a clinical diagnosis unless it significantly impairs nutritional intake, as seen in ARFID.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Eccentric. Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) exhibit odd or eccentric behaviors, speech, and thought patterns. They may dress unusually, speak in vague or metaphorical ways, or hold bizarre beliefs that are not delusional but are far outside societal norms.
B. Mood swings. Frequent mood swings are not a characteristic feature of schizotypal personality disorder. Instead, they are more commonly seen in borderline personality disorder (BPD) or bipolar disorder. While individuals with STPD may experience transient emotional disturbances, their symptoms are more related to social detachment and cognitive distortions than rapid mood fluctuations.
C. Social anxiety. People with STPD experience intense social anxiety, often due to paranoia and distrust of others rather than fear of judgment (as seen in social anxiety disorder). Their discomfort in social situations does not improve with familiarity, leading to persistent isolation.
D. Paranoid. Paranoia is a core symptom of schizotypal personality disorder. Individuals with STPD often have suspiciousness and odd beliefs, such as thinking others are plotting against them or misinterpreting benign events as having hidden meanings. This paranoid thinking contributes to their social withdrawal and difficulty forming close relationships.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.