AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Dopamine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in the pathology of schizophrenia. The revised dopamine hypothesis states that dopamine abnormalities in the mesolimbic and prefrontal brain regions exist in schizophrenia.

Detailed explanation-2: -2.The Mesocortical Pathway Decreased dopamine in the mesocortical projection to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is postulated to be responsible for negative and depressive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Detailed explanation-3: -A number of investigators propose that negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia are associated with hypofunction of the mesocortical pathway. This tract is made up of dopaminergic neurons that project from the ventral tegmental area to the prefrontal cortex.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hyperdopaminergia: This refers to higher than usual levels of dopamine in the subcortex (central areas of the brain). This is linked with positive symptoms such as hallucinations. There may be a higher number of dopamine receptors, causing over-activity of dopamine, causing sensory hallucinations.