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Hector and his mother have schizophrenia - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 4
Hector and his mother have schizophrenia. Hector has hallucinations and hears voices telling him what to do. He suffers from delusions, for example he thinks he is i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Hector and his mother have schizophrenia - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
AO1: Discuss the function of neurotransmitters in schizophrenia
Answer
The original dopamine hypothesis suggests that excess dopamine in the brain causes symptoms of schizophrenia. Specifically, the excess dopamine is thought to occur in the mesolimbic area through D2 receptors, leading to positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Furthermore, the revised dopamine hypothesis indicates that a lack of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex—reduced D1 activity—can cause negative symptoms such as poverty of speech. This duality highlights dopamine's essential role in modulating both positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
Additionally, if glutamate production is impaired, this can lead to an increase in the amount of dopamine in the brain, contributing to the severity of symptoms.
Step 2
AO2: Apply neurotransmitter function to Hector's case
Answer
There are alternative explanations for schizophrenia, such as genetic factors, which may also apply to Hector as his mother has schizophrenia.
Hector, who experiences hallucinations, is affected by neurotransmitter imbalances. These hallucinations could be attributed to excess dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway. Meanwhile, his disordered thinking might stem from a lack of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, leading to difficulties in connecting his thoughts.
Moreover, Hector’s treatment with anti-psychotic drugs aims to reduce the level of dopamine in the brain, which can help alleviate his symptoms. If the medication prescribed by his doctor works as intended, it may lower the dopamine levels and potentially improve his condition.