A married couple tells their therapist that they have a serious fight at least three times a week. The therapist, who practices strategic family therapy, instructs the couple to fight at least five nights a week. What is this an example of?

Choice A reason: Reaction formation involves converting unwanted or dangerous thoughts into their opposites. It does not explain memory loss or forgetting traumatic events.

Choice B reason: Sublimation is the channeling of unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities. It is a mature defense mechanism and not related to memory suppression.

Choice C reason: Repression is the unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or memories. In Freudian theory, traumatic experiences may be repressed to protect the individual from psychological distress.

Choice D reason: Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others. It does not account for memory loss or forgetting traumatic experiences.

Choice A reason: Dopamine plays a central role in the pathophysiology of extrapyramidal symptoms. EPS occurs due to dopamine receptor blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway, particularly with antipsychotic medications. Reducing dopamine activity in this pathway leads to motor disturbances similar to Parkinsonism. Therefore, managing EPS often involves balancing dopamine levels or using medications that counteract dopamine blockade.

Choice B reason: Serotonin is involved in mood regulation and other central nervous system functions, but it is not directly implicated in the development of EPS. While some antipsychotics affect serotonin receptors, EPS symptoms are primarily linked to dopamine dysregulation.

Choice C reason: Norepinephrine is associated with arousal, attention, and stress responses. It does not play a significant role in the extrapyramidal system, and altering its levels would not directly alleviate EPS.

Choice D reason: Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter and is involved in learning and memory. Although it interacts with dopamine systems, it is not the primary neurotransmitter responsible for EPS, and decreasing glutamate would not be a targeted approach for treating these symptoms.