Patient/caregiver was instructed upon pathophysiology of schizophrenia and psychosis as follows:
- Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are manufactured in the brain and released by nerve endings, at the synapse, which is a junction between two nerves. The neurotransmitters released bind to their individual receptors and communicates the impulse to the nerves around.
- There are various neurotransmitters such as, dopamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, histamine, and serotonin released in the brain.
- Excessive activity of dopamine in the brain, with contributions from excessive activity of norepinephrine and histamine is reportedly responsible for positive symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis, such as, agitation, hallucinations, delusions, and racing thoughts.
- Excessive activity of serotonin in the brain reportedly contribute to the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis, such as, apathy, social withdrawal, and poor attention.
- A balance of communication by these various neurotransmitters is essential for maintenance of mood and prevention of psychotic symptoms.
