Cindy Wang

What are the neurotransmitter alterations in response to schizophrenia and how are they addressed by current treatment options?

Started Nov. 14, 2024

Abstract or project description

Schizophrenia, a psychotic disorder affecting 1 in 222 adults worldwide, disrupts cognitive, emotional, and social functioning through hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized mental states. This paper examines neurotransmitter alterations associated with schizophrenia and their implications for treatment. The dopamine hypothesis, a fundamental theory, links hyperfunction in the mesolimbic pathway to positive symptoms and hypofunction in the mesocortical pathway to negative symptoms. However, other neurotransmitters, including glutamate, serotonin, and GABA, also play critical roles. Dysregulation of glutamate’s NMDA receptor impairs mental processing and behavior, while serotonin hyperactivity affects aggression and attention. GABA abnormalities contribute to anxiety and cognitive dysfunction. Current treatments such as haloperidol, fluphenazine, and chlorpromazine target neurotransmitter irregularities, primarily through dopamine and serotonin receptor modulation. This review emphasizes the need for individualized therapies and further exploration into novel treatment mechanisms.

Decoding Schizophrenia: Understanding Key Risk Factors and Insightful Approaches to Prevention

Started May 1, 2024

Abstract or project description

Schizophrenia may result in a mix of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behavior, and it currently affects approximately 1 in 222 people worldwide. While the exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, certain people exposed to genetic factors, drug abuse, and environmental factors are more at risk. For example, chances of getting schizophrenia are higher if a close relative has received it and if you’ve been a heavy user of drugs, such as cannabis. There is no current cure for schizophrenia, but close surveillance and antipsychotic medications may act as preventive measures. Here, I will investigate how the disease manifests through causes and risk factors, as well as neurotransmitter expression. Finally, I will give future perspectives on how it may be prevented.