A Quiz On Schizophrenia

Antipsychotics predominantly act on D2 class of dopamine receptors. These receptors are found in the brain and are involved in regulating various functions such as movement, emotions, and cognition. By blocking or inhibiting the activity of D2 receptors, antipsychotics help to reduce the symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions. This is why D2 receptors are the primary target for antipsychotic medications.

The Dopamine Hypothesis suggests that the actions of amphetamine are linked to dopamine in the brain. Amphetamine increases the release of dopamine and inhibits its reuptake, leading to an accumulation of dopamine in the synaptic cleft. This excess dopamine then stimulates the dopamine receptors, resulting in various effects such as increased alertness, euphoria, and increased motor activity. The Dopamine Hypothesis is often used to explain the mechanism of action of amphetamine and its role in conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

The correct answer is "Decreased volume of globus pallidus." Anatomical abnormalities linked with schizophrenia include decreased volume of the frontal lobe and decreased blood flow to the frontal lobe. However, there is no direct evidence or consensus suggesting that decreased volume of the globus pallidus is specifically linked to schizophrenia.

Anxiety is not considered a positive symptom of Schizophrenia. Positive symptoms are characterized by an excess or distortion of normal functions, such as hallucinations or disorganized speech. Anxiety, on the other hand, is a common symptom of many mental disorders, including Schizophrenia, but it is not specifically classified as a positive symptom.

Thorazine is the brand name for the drug Chlorpromazine. Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat various mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It works by affecting the balance of certain chemicals in the brain, helping to reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and agitation. Thorazine is a well-known brand name for Chlorpromazine and is commonly used in clinical practice.

Paranoid schizophrenia has the highest rate of rehabilitation because individuals with this subtype of schizophrenia tend to have less severe symptoms compared to other subtypes. They often have delusions and hallucinations but maintain a higher level of functioning and are more likely to be aware of their illness. This awareness can lead to better treatment adherence and engagement in rehabilitation programs, resulting in improved outcomes and higher rates of rehabilitation.

Dopamine and glutamate work together to "gate" the sensory input to the thalamus. Dopamine is involved in regulating attention and motivation, while glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Together, they modulate the flow of sensory information to the thalamus, controlling the filtering and processing of sensory input.

Euphoria is not a side effect of typical antipsychotic drugs. Typical antipsychotic drugs are known to have several side effects, including antipsychotic malignant syndrome, involuntary movements (also known as extrapyramidal symptoms), and lactation. Euphoria, which refers to a feeling of intense happiness or excitement, is not typically associated with the use of these drugs.

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat schizophrenia. Acute dystonia is a side effect associated with the use of typical antipsychotic medications, but not with clozapine. Acute dystonia refers to sudden and involuntary muscle contractions that can cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. Clozapine is known to have a lower risk of causing acute dystonia compared to typical antipsychotics, making it a preferred choice for patients who are prone to this particular side effect.

Antipsychotic drugs often take approximately 3 weeks for effects targeted toward schizophrenic symptoms to occur because changes in gene expression and dopamine receptor density need to occur. These changes are necessary for the medication to effectively regulate the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is implicated in the symptoms of schizophrenia. It takes time for the drug to influence gene expression and alter the density of dopamine receptors, leading to a reduction in psychotic symptoms.