Which dopamine pathway is responsible for the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Mesolimbic pathway
Nigrostriatal pathway
Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Mesocortical pathway
The Correct Answer is A
A. Mesolimbic pathway is associated with reward, motivation, and emotions and is hyperactive in schizophrenia, leading to positive symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Antipsychotic medications work by blocking dopamine (D2) receptors in this pathway, reducing psychotic symptoms.
B. Nigrostriatal pathway controls motor function and coordination. Dopamine blockade in this pathway leads to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as tremors, rigidity, and tardive dyskinesia, which are common side effects of first-generation antipsychotics (typical antipsychotics).
C. Tuberoinfundibular pathway regulates prolactin secretion. Dopamine inhibits prolactin release, so blocking D2 receptors with antipsychotics leads to increased prolactin levels, causing gynecomastia, galactorrhea, and menstrual irregularities.
D. Mesocortical pathway is responsible for cognition, motivation, and emotional regulation. In schizophrenia, this pathway is hypoactive, contributing to negative symptoms such as apathy, social withdrawal, and cognitive impairment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Argumentative. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is characterized by a pattern of defiant, hostile, and argumentative behavior toward authority figures. Children with ODD frequently argue with adults, refuse to comply with rules, and deliberately provoke others.
B. Resentful. Children with ODD often display persistent resentment and anger, particularly when they feel they have been wronged. They may hold grudges and struggle to forgive perceived slights, leading to ongoing conflicts with parents, teachers, or peers.
C. Aggressive toward animals. Aggression toward animals is not a symptom of ODD but is a key feature of conduct disorder (CD). Children with conduct disorder engage in severe violations of social norms, including cruelty to animals, destruction of property, and physical aggression toward people. ODD, in contrast, involves defiant and disruptive behaviors without serious violations of others' rights.
D. Vindictive. A vindictive attitude is one of the diagnostic criteria for ODD. Children with ODD may seek revenge, retaliate excessively, or intentionally annoy others to provoke a reaction. This behavior is often fueled by feelings of frustration and perceived injustice.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Haloperidol (Haldol) is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic that primarily blocks dopamine (D2) receptors. It is associated with a higher risk of extrapyramidal side effects (EPS), including dystonia, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia, compared to second-generation antipsychotics.
B. Ziprasidone (Geodon) is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic that blocks both dopamine (D2) and serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors. It has a lower risk of EPS but can cause QT prolongation, requiring ECG monitoring in patients with cardiac conditions.
C. Risperidone (Risperdal) is a second-generation antipsychotic with dopamine and serotonin antagonism. It is effective for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability in autism but has a higher likelihood of prolactin elevation and EPS at higher doses.
D. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is a second-generation antipsychotic known for its high risk of metabolic side effects, including weight gain, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. It has a lower risk of EPS compared to first-generation antipsychotics.
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