Veronica Saavedra

9/13/16
Ch 241. An alteration in which of the neurotransmitters is most closely associated
with the symptoms of schizophrenia?
A number of neurotransmitters have been implicated in the etiology of
schizophrenia. These include dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin,
glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The dopaminergic system
has been most widely studied and closely linked to the symptoms associated
with the disease. Pg 423 figure 24-1 and also 424
The current position, in terms of the dopamine hypothesis, is that
manifestations of acute schizophrenia may be related to increased numbers
of dopamine receptors in the brain and respond to antipsychotic drugs that
block these receptors. Manifestations of chronic schizophrenia are probably
unrelated to numbers of dopamine receptors, and antipsychotic drugs are
unlikely to be as effective in treating these chronic symptoms.
Abnormalities in the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin,
acetylcholine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and in the
neuroregulators, such as prostaglandins and endorphins, have been
suggested. Recent research has implicated the neurotransmitter glutamate in
the etiology of schizophrenia. Pg 424
2. What is schizoaffective disorder?
This disorder is manifested by schizophrenic behaviors, with a strong element
of symptomatology associated with the mood disorders (depression or
mania).The client may appear depressed, with psychomotor, retardation and
suicidal ideation, or symptoms may include euphoria, grandiosity, and
hyperactivity. The decisive factor in the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder
is the presence of hallucinations and/or delusions that occur for at least 2
weeks in the absence of a major mood episode. Pg. 429
The prognosis for schizoaffective disorder is generally better than that for
other schizophrenic dis-orders but worse than that for mood disorders alone.
3. How do delusions differ from hallucinations?
Delusions are false personal beliefs that are inconsistent with the persons
intelligence or cultural background. The individual continues to have the
belief in spite of obvious proof that it is false or irrational and hallucinations
are not prominent, and behavior is not bizarre.
4. What was the first atypical antipsychotic to be developed? Why is this drug
not considered a first-line treatment for schizophrenia?
Clozapine was the first antipsychotic to be developed. It is not considered a
first-line of defense due to its clozapine-induced agranulocytosis or severe
granulocytopenia, and with uncontrolled epilepsy.