Learning Objectives

• Describe the main symptoms and features of schizophrenia
• Explain the dopamine theory of schizophrenia, and name and describe the basic functional role of the main dopaminergic pathways in the brain
• Outline the role of other neurotransmitter systems such as glutamate and 5-HT in schizophrenia
• Describe the mechanisms of action believed to be responsible for the therapeutic effects of antipsychotic drugs
• Compare the adverse effect profiles of first and second generation antipsychotic drugs, and relate these to their activity at different receptor types
• Outline the symptoms and features of bipolar disorder
• Describe the main proposed mechanisms of action of lithium, list its adverse effects and describe factors that contribute to its toxicity
• List the main drug classes used in the treatment of anxiety disorders
• Describe the mechanism of action and major adverse effects of drugs used in the treatment of insomnia - benzodiazepines, z-drugs and melatonin

Schizophrenia

• what are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
• what are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
• which dopamine receptor is responsible for each set of symptoms?
• what cognitive defects are present in schizophrenia?
• what is the prevalence of schizophrenia?
• what is the dopamine theory of schizophrenia?
• what other neural changes are seen in schizophrenia?
• why is 5-HT2A antagonism of interest?