Which dopamine pathway is responsible for negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

A. Dopamine. Tourette’s syndrome is primarily associated with dopamine dysregulation, particularly increased dopamine activity in the basal ganglia. This overactivity leads to excessive, involuntary motor and vocal tics. Dopamine-blocking medications, such as antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone), can help reduce tic severity.

B. Serotonin. While serotonin plays a role in mood regulation and impulse control, it is not the primary neurotransmitter involved in Tourette’s. However, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be used to treat co-occurring obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety symptoms in Tourette’s patients.

C. Glutamate is the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter, involved in learning and memory. While some research suggests glutamate imbalances may contribute to tic severity and compulsive behaviors, dopamine remains the key neurotransmitter in Tourette’s pathology.

D. GABA is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, responsible for reducing neural excitability. Though impaired GABAergic inhibition may contribute to tic generation, the main abnormality in Tourette’s involves dopamine overactivity in the basal ganglia and cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical circuits.

A. Nagasaki Anxiety Scale. There is no recognized Nagasaki Anxiety Scale used in clinical practice for diagnosing anxiety disorders.

B. Vanderbilt Anxiety Scale. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale is primarily used for ADHD screening in children, not for anxiety disorders. It evaluates symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, along with comorbid behavioral issues.

C. Hamilton Anxiety Scale. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) is a widely used diagnostic tool for assessing the severity of anxiety symptoms. It evaluates somatic and psychological symptoms of anxiety, such as tension, fears, insomnia, and autonomic disturbances. It is commonly used in clinical and research settings to monitor treatment response.

D. Jarrad and Cesar Anxiety Scale. There is no known Jarrad and Cesar Anxiety Scale in psychological or psychiatric diagnostic testing, making it an invalid option for anxiety assessment.