Brief discussion of neurotransmitter theories

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Brief discussion of neurotransmitter theories

(A). Discuss briefly the neurotransmitter theories postulated to be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Support your answer with clinical or experimental research-based evidence where possible.

(B). Discuss the mechanisms of actions and main adverse effects of 1st generation (typical/classic) antipsychotic drugs and discuss the mechanisms by which these adverse effects are exerted.

(20 marks)

  1. Discuss the ways in which the efficacy of antidepressant drugs may be evaluated pre-clinically in animal studies and also in clinical trials involving humans. What limits the usefulness of existing drugs available to treat depression? Discuss some of the new pharmacological treatments for depression that are currently being evaluated.

 (20 marks)

Useful Sources 

Levin, E. D. (2006). Neurotransmitter interactions and cognitive function. Basel: Birkhäuser Verlag.
Owens, D. G. C. (1999). A guide to the extrapyramidal side-effects of antipsychotic drugs. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
In Schulz, S. C., In Green, M., & In Nelson, K. J. (2016). Schizophrenia and psychotic spectrum disorders. New York: Oxford University Press,