Schizophrenia: Pathogenesis and Symptoms Increased dopaminergic transmission in mesolimbic projection -> Dopaminergic neurons here project into the limbic system, responsible for behaviors and emotions. -> Abnormal dopamine transmission here is thought to cause the Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia: • Delusions (Fixed, false beliefs out of keeping with cultural background) • Hallucinations (Sensations without stimuli; usually auditory in schizophrenia) • Speech disorganization or senselessness (Tangentiality, derailment, word salads) • Grossly disorganized motor behavior including catatonia (unresponsive to environment) Decr dopaminergic transmission in mesocortical projection -> Dopaminergic neurons here project into the cerebral cortex (i.e. frontal lobes), responsible for thinking, decision-making, language production, and mood) -> Abnormal dopamine transmission here is thought to cause Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia: • Diminished emotional expression • affective flattening • alogia • avolition • diminution of thoughts • asociality #Schizophrenia #pathophysiology #diagnosis #symptoms #signs #psychiatry #positive #negative
