AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The “original dopamine hypothesis” states that hyperactive dopamine transmission results in schizophrenic symptoms. This hypothesis was formed upon the discovery of dopamine as a neurotransmitter in the brain by Arvid Carlsson (6–12).

Detailed explanation-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -Research on dopamine concentrations in postmortem brain tissue, on homovanillic acid concentrations, and on dopamine receptors has been negative or inconclusive. Therefore, the idea that the symptoms of psychosis or schizophrenia are caused by the overactivity of dopamine is not supported by current evidence.