A patient committed suicide. In an attempt to better understand ...

[kwoodring]

A patient committed suicide. In an attempt to better understand factors leading up to this death, the therapist interviews the patient's family, co-workers, friends, and treating physicians. This approach is known as a
 
  A) psychological autopsy.
   B) post-mortem investigation.
   C) psychological inquiry.
   D) psychological debriefing.

Question 2

Discuss the dopamine hypothesis and comment on the three possible roles the neurotransmitter may play in schizophrenia.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[tashiedavis420]

Answer to Question 1

A

Answer to Question 2

The dopamine hypothesis holds that excessive amounts of dopamine in the brain lead to the development/worsening of psychotic symptoms. Support for this theory stems from chemical research over the last 50 years. For example, substances that increase the amount of dopamine in the neural synapses (i.e., amphetamines, levodopa) appear to have the effect of producing psychotic symptoms or worsening psychotic symptoms if they are already present. Conversely, substances that decrease dopamine levels appear to have the effect of decreasing psychotic symptoms.
It is difficult to state conclusively what role dopamine plays in the disorder. Researchers theorize three possible scenarios. First, excess dopamine may actually be the cause of the disorder. Second, chronic stress that may develop as a result of dealing with the symptoms of schizophrenia over a long period of time may lead to brain abnormalities. These changes in brain structure may cause an increase in dopamine levels. Finally, both the disorder and excessive amounts of dopamine may be the result of some unknown outside variable(s).