Which dopamine pathway is responsible for the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Mesolimbic pathway
Nigrostriatal pathway
Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Mesocortical pathway
The Correct Answer is A
A. Mesolimbic pathway is associated with reward, motivation, and emotions and is hyperactive in schizophrenia, leading to positive symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Antipsychotic medications work by blocking dopamine (D2) receptors in this pathway, reducing psychotic symptoms.
B. Nigrostriatal pathway controls motor function and coordination. Dopamine blockade in this pathway leads to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as tremors, rigidity, and tardive dyskinesia, which are common side effects of first-generation antipsychotics (typical antipsychotics).
C. Tuberoinfundibular pathway regulates prolactin secretion. Dopamine inhibits prolactin release, so blocking D2 receptors with antipsychotics leads to increased prolactin levels, causing gynecomastia, galactorrhea, and menstrual irregularities.
D. Mesocortical pathway is responsible for cognition, motivation, and emotional regulation. In schizophrenia, this pathway is hypoactive, contributing to negative symptoms such as apathy, social withdrawal, and cognitive impairment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Needs to be taken care of. Individuals with dependent personality disorder (DPD) have an excessive need for care and reassurance. They rely heavily on others to make decisions and take responsibility for their daily life.
B. Conflict avoidance. People with DPD avoid conflict and disagreement out of fear of losing support or approval from others. They may go to great lengths to maintain relationships, even if they are unhealthy.
C. Lacks remorse. Lack of remorse is more characteristic of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), where individuals show little concern for the rights or feelings of others. In contrast, those with DPD tend to feel excessive guilt and anxiety rather than a lack of remorse.
D. Afraid to be alone. A strong fear of being alone is a core feature of DPD. Individuals may feel helpless or unable to function independently, leading them to tolerate mistreatment or stay in dependent relationships.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a leading preventable cause of intellectual disability. Prenatal alcohol exposure disrupts brain development, leading to cognitive impairment, behavioral problems, and facial abnormalities.
B. Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability, developmental delays, and characteristic physical features. It results from an extra copy of chromosome 21, affecting brain development and cognitive function.
C. Serotonin syndrome is an acute, life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin activity due to medication overdose or drug interactions (e.g., SSRIs, MAOIs, MDMA). Symptoms include hyperreflexia, autonomic instability, and altered mental status, but it does not cause intellectual disability.
D. Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome. It is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability, leading to cognitive impairments, social anxiety, and hyperactivity, often resembling autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
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