AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -According to this theory, a dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) mediated in part by dopamine D1 receptors is at the core of treatment-resistant cognitive deficits and negative symptoms.

Detailed explanation-2: -Brief History of Dopamine Hypothesis in Schizophrenia Dopamine is produced in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental regions of the brain, and dopamine alterations are related to schizophrenia (1, 2). Dopaminergic projections are divided into the nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, and mesocortical systems.

Detailed explanation-3: -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-4: -Negative symptoms in schizophrenia have been associated with structural and functional changes in the prefrontal cortex. They often persist after treatment with antipsychotic medication which targets, in particular, the ventral striatum (VS).

Detailed explanation-5: -Dopamine enables successful cognitive control in prefrontal cortex. Dopamine receptors in prefrontal cortex control three key aspects of cognitive control – gating, maintaining, and relaying.