Dopaminergic Pathways in Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary therapeutic target of antipsychotics?

  • Tuberoinfundibular pathway
  • Mesocortical pathway
  • Nigrostriatal pathway
  • Mesolimbic pathway (correct)

Which pathway is responsible for motor control and shows decreased activity leading to extrapyramidal symptoms?

  • Mesolimbic pathway
  • Nigrostriatal pathway (correct)
  • Tuberoinfundibular pathway
  • Mesocortical pathway

Which pathway is primarily associated with negative symptoms due to decreased activity?

  • Tuberoinfundibular pathway
  • Nigrostriatal pathway
  • Mesocortical pathway (correct)
  • Mesolimbic pathway

What effect does decreased activity in the tuberoinfundibular pathway have?

<p>Increased prolactin secretion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the mesolimbic pathway as related to dopamine activity?

<p>Reward and reinforcement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the mesocortical pathway?

<p>Motivation and reward (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pathway is primarily implicated in increased prolactin levels due to altered activity?

<p>Tuberoinfundibular pathway (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pathway is connected to positive symptoms when there is increased activity?

<p>Mesolimbic pathway (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact do antipsychotic medications have on the nigrostriatal pathway?

<p>They significantly affect it, especially in Parkinson's (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pathway is associated with the projection from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens?

<p>Mesolimbic pathway (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pathway is responsible for regulating prolactin secretion in the brain?

<p>Tuberoinfundibular (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of altered activity in the mesocortical pathway?

<p>Negative symptoms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do antipsychotic medications have on the mesolimbic pathway?

<p>Primary therapeutic target (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pathways is likely to cause extrapyramidal symptoms due to decreased activity?

<p>Nigrostriatal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms can occur due to increased activity in the mesolimbic pathway?

<p>Positive symptoms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nigrostriatal pathway?

<p>Motor control (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with decreased activity in the tuberoinfundibular pathway?

<p>Increased prolactin levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of antipsychotic medications on the mesocortical pathway?

<p>Limited effect (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does increased activity in the mesolimbic pathway typically have?

<p>Results in positive symptoms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pathway is primarily involved in motivation and reward benefits?

<p>Mesocortical pathway (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Mesolimbic Pathway Function

Dopamine pathway from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens, impacting reward and pleasure.

Mesocortical Pathway

Dopamine pathway from the ventral tegmental area to the prefrontal cortex, involved in motivation and cognition.

Nigrostriatal Pathway

Dopamine pathway from the substantia nigra to the dorsal striatum, essential for motor control.

Tuberoinfundibular Pathway

Dopamine pathway regulating prolactin secretion from the hypothalamus to the pituitary.

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Antipsychotic Impact

Antipsychotic drugs primarily affect the mesolimbic pathway, aiming to reduce positive symptoms.

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Dopamine Pathway

A neural route in the brain that uses dopamine as a neurotransmitter, impacting various functions.

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Mesolimbic Pathway

A dopamine pathway linking the VTA to the nucleus accumbens, involved in reward, pleasure, and addiction.

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Mesocortical Pathway Role

The mesocortical pathway is involved in motivation and reward. Decreased activity in this pathway can lead to negative symptoms of schizophrenia, like apathy and social withdrawal.

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Mesolimbic Pathway Role

The mesolimbic pathway is associated with pleasure and reward. Increased activity in this pathway can cause positive symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations and delusions.

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Nigrostriatal Pathway Role

The nigrostriatal pathway plays a crucial role in motor control. Decreased activity in this pathway can lead to extrapyramidal symptoms, like tremors and muscle rigidity.

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Tuberoinfundibular Pathway Role

The tuberoinfundibular pathway controls prolactin secretion. Decreased activity can lead to increased prolactin levels, causing symptoms like breast enlargement and milk production.

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Antipsychotics and Dopamine Pathways

Antipsychotic medications primarily target the mesolimbic pathway, aiming to reduce dopamine activity and alleviate positive symptoms of psychosis.

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Study Notes

Dopaminergic Pathways

  • Mesocortical Pathway:

    • Projection: Ventral tegmental area → prefrontal area
    • Function: Motivation, reward
    • Symptoms of Altered Activity: Decreased activity, causing negative symptoms
    • Antipsychotic Effect: Limited effect

  • Mesolimbic Pathway:

    • Projection: Ventral tegmental area → nucleus accumbens
    • Function: Not specified
    • Symptoms of Altered Activity: Increased activity, causing positive symptoms
    • Antipsychotic Effect: Primary therapeutic target of antipsychotics

  • Nigrostriatal Pathway:

    • Projection: Substantia nigra → dorsal striatum
    • Function: Motor control
    • Symptoms of Altered Activity: Decreased activity, causing extrapyramidal symptoms
    • Antipsychotic Effect: Significantly affected by antipsychotics in Parkinson's

  • Tuberoinfundibular Pathway:

    • Projection: Hypothalamus → pituitary
    • Function: Regulation of prolactin secretion
    • Symptoms of Altered Activity: Decreased activity, causing increased prolactin
    • Antipsychotic Effect: Significantly affected by antipsychotics

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