Answer :
Final answer:
The pathway involved in the negative/cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia is primarily related to the dopamine pathway, with an overactivity of dopamine in subcortical areas and a dopamine underactivity in the prefrontal cortex. Other neurotransmitters like serotonin, glutamate, and GABA may also play a role.
Explanation:
The pathway involved in the negative/cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia is primarily related to the dopamine pathway. The dopamine theory of schizophrenia suggests that there is an overactivity of dopamine in subcortical areas of the brain, such as the mesolimbic pathway. This overactivity may contribute to the development of positive symptoms of schizophrenia, while a dopamine underactivity in the prefrontal cortex may lead to the emergence of negative and cognitive symptoms.
While dopamine is the primary pathway involved, other neurotransmitters like serotonin, glutamate, and GABA have also been implicated in the pathology of schizophrenia. However, their roles are not as well understood.
Current treatments for schizophrenia often target dopamine and serotonin receptors, but they are more effective in treating positive symptoms rather than negative or cognitive symptoms. There is a need for better medications that can address symptoms in all domains with fewer side effects.
