Asked by Shermeria Quarles on Feb 29, 2024

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In his first year of college, Ronald began to behave irrationally and hear voices that were not really there. A psychiatrist diagnosed him as having schizophrenia and prescribed a drug to reduce the psychosis Ronald was experiencing. The intended effect of the drug is likely to:

A) elevate the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.
B) block or reduce the sensitivity of dopamine receptors.
C) increase dopamine activity in the brain.
D) block the reuptake of norepinephrine by neurons.

Dopamine Receptors

Proteins located on the surface of certain cells in the brain that bind to dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure.

Psychosis

An extreme mental disturbance involving distorted perceptions and irrational behavior; it may have psychological or organic causes. (Plural: psychoses.)

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter and hormone involved in the body's fight or flight response, affecting attention and responding actions in the brain.

  • Comprehend the position and effect of neurotransmitters in drug treatment and their implications on emotional well-being and actions.
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AG
Areeba Ghanniaiman

Feb 29, 2024

Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
Schizophrenia is often associated with excess dopamine activity in the brain. Antipsychotic drugs like the one prescribed for Ronald are designed to block or reduce the sensitivity of dopamine receptors to help alleviate symptoms of psychosis.