Explanations of Schizo. Biological- dopamine

Biological Explanations of Schizo.

1.       Dopamine hypothesis:

•   Suggests that excess levels of the neurotransmitter ‘dopamine’ are found in Schizo. patients
• Patients also tend to have more dopamine receptors at the synapse indicating increased release of dopamine

·         Increased levels in one part of the brain contribute to + symptoms and increased levels in other parts of the brain lead to – symptoms.

Evidence:

·         Comes from studies from drugs, e.g. amphetamines, which increase dopamine levels and make symptoms worse in Schizo. patients

·         Genetic influence may cause sensitivity to dopamine (neurochemical and genetic explanation)

Evaluation:

+ It has many studies and a range of methodology to support it. E.g. Post-mortem studies…