Final answer:
Schizophrenia is associated with an excess of dopamine, particularly in the mesolimbic pathway, leading to positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Antipsychotic medications work by blocking dopamine receptors to mitigate these symptoms. Moreover, disturbances in glutamate neurotransmission also contribute to the cognitive dysfunction observed in schizophrenia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neurotransmitters are linked to schizophrenia, particularly in regards to the presence of an excess of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway of the brain. This hyperactivity of dopamine is associated with the presentation of positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Treatment with antipsychotic medications targets these symptoms by acting as dopamine antagonists, blocking dopamine receptors without activating them to reduce dopamine neurotransmission and alleviate symptoms.
Additionally, schizophrenia involves disturbances in glutamate signaling, which is implicated in cognitive dysfunction linked to the disorder. Anomalies in glutamatergic neurotransmission, particularly through NMDA receptor hypofunction and excessive stimulation of AMPA receptors, are also thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This complex interplay of neurotransmitter activity underlies the diverse symptomatology of schizophrenia and informs pharmacological interventions.