Questions: Question 6 (1 point)
Drugs blocking which of the following neurotransmitters have been shown to be an effective treatment of psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia?
1) GABA
2) serotonin
3) dopamine
4) epinephrine
Transcript text: Question 6 (1 point)
Drugs blocking which of the following neurotransmitters have been shown to be an effective treatment of psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia?
1) GABA
2) serotonin
3) dopamine
4) epinephrine
Solution
The answer is the third one (3): dopamine.
Explanation for each option:
GABA: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is primarily an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. While it plays a role in anxiety and mood disorders, it is not the primary target for treating psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
Serotonin: Serotonin is involved in mood regulation and is a target for antidepressants and some antipsychotics. However, blocking serotonin alone is not the primary mechanism for treating psychotic disorders.
Dopamine: Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Many antipsychotic drugs work by blocking dopamine receptors, particularly the D2 receptor, which helps alleviate symptoms of psychosis.
Epinephrine: Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is more involved in the body's fight-or-flight response and is not a primary target for treating psychotic disorders.
In summary, drugs that block dopamine receptors have been shown to be an effective treatment for psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.