Question

Before 1952, scientists believed that dopamine:

a) Had no role in mental disorders
b) Was exclusively inhibitory in function
c) Was solely excitatory in function
d) Was not present in the brain

Answer 1

Prior to 1952, dopamine was not widely recognized for its role in brain function and mental disorders; modern research underscores its critical involvement in cognitive processes and mental health.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before 1952, the understanding of dopamine (DA) in the brain was quite limited. At the time, it was generally not recognized that dopamine played a significant role in the function of the brain or in mental disorders. More modern research has revealed dopamine's crucial involvement in various aspects of cognitive processes and its dysregulation in mental health disorders. Through pathways like the mesostriatal, mesolimbic, and mesocortical systems, dopamine regulates cognitive functions such as decision-making, working memory, attention, and impulsivity. It also plays a critical role in brain development and neural plasticity. The balance of dopamine transmission is essential; both excess and deficiency can lead to dysfunction. For instance, in schizophrenia, hyperdopaminergic states are linked to positive symptoms like hallucinations, whereas hypodopaminergic conditions are associated with negative symptoms such as social withdrawal.