Investigations #1

Schizophrenia is considered a neurological disorder. It affects the brain. An incurable disease, its symptoms are split into two types: positive and negative. Some positive symptoms include hallucinations and delusions, while some negative symptoms include social withdrawal or struggle with speech.

One of the causes of this disorder is due to an imbalance in the neurotransmitter release in the nervous system. Dopamine, serotonin, and glutamine are considered to be the neurotransmitters involved in the cause of schizophrenia. There is an influx of release of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic gap because of damage to receptors found on the post-synaptic membrane. This "damage" can mean the proteins (receptors) responsible for controlling the level neurotransmitter may be inhibited. Another reason for "damage" can mean that the receptors on the post-synaptic membrane will not obtain the neurotransmitter onto its neuron, but that there will only be reuptake occuring. This inhibits the neurotransmitter going to the next neuron.

Picture reference:

(1) http://static.psychguides.com/wp-content/uploads/schizophrenia2-215x300.jpg