Which term is used to describe a potential biological cause of schizophrenia related to neurotransmitters?

Which term is used to describe a potential biological cause of schizophrenia related to neurotransmitters?

• A. Dopamine hypothesis
• B. Eclectic approach
• C. Flat affect
• D. Fugue

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is the idea that neurotransmitter systems, especially dopamine, may play a biological role in schizophrenia. The term that best captures this idea is the dopamine hypothesis. It proposes that schizophrenia involves dysregulated dopamine signaling in the brain, with excess dopamine activity contributing to positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, while reduced dopamine activity in other circuits, like the prefrontal areas, may be linked to negative symptoms and cognitive difficulties. This hypothesis is supported by pharmacological and imaging evidence: antipsychotic medications that block dopamine D2 receptors tend to reduce schizophrenic symptoms, and drugs that increase dopamine can provoke or worsen psychotic symptoms in some people. While not the complete story, the dopamine hypothesis remains the central way researchers describe a neurotransmitter-related biological mechanism behind schizophrenia. The other options don’t fit this question as well. An eclectic approach refers to using a mix of different theoretical perspectives or treatments rather than pointing to a specific neurotransmitter mechanism. Flat affect describes a symptom—the lack of emotional expression—rather than a causal theory. Fugue is a dissociative state from another disorder, not a term related to neurotransmitter explanations for schizophrenia.

The main idea being tested is the idea that neurotransmitter systems, especially dopamine, may play a biological role in schizophrenia. The term that best captures this idea is the dopamine hypothesis. It proposes that schizophrenia involves dysregulated dopamine signaling in the brain, with excess dopamine activity contributing to positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, while reduced dopamine activity in other circuits, like the prefrontal areas, may be linked to negative symptoms and cognitive difficulties. This hypothesis is supported by pharmacological and imaging evidence: antipsychotic medications that block dopamine D2 receptors tend to reduce schizophrenic symptoms, and drugs that increase dopamine can provoke or worsen psychotic symptoms in some people. While not the complete story, the dopamine hypothesis remains the central way researchers describe a neurotransmitter-related biological mechanism behind schizophrenia.

The other options don’t fit this question as well. An eclectic approach refers to using a mix of different theoretical perspectives or treatments rather than pointing to a specific neurotransmitter mechanism. Flat affect describes a symptom—the lack of emotional expression—rather than a causal theory. Fugue is a dissociative state from another disorder, not a term related to neurotransmitter explanations for schizophrenia.