MCAT Social and Behavioral Sciences : Schizophrenia and Depression
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Schizophrenia And Depression
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the drugs of choice in the treatment of __________.
dissociative identity disorder
psychosomatic disorder
depression
schizophrenia
bipolar disorder
depression
Depression is treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for mood. By allowing more serotonin to be active in the synapses, mood is elevated. Bipolar disorder is treated with the mood stabilizer lithium. Psychosomatic disorder is treated using biofeedback and relaxation techniques to reduce tension and spasm. Schizophrenia is treated with antipsychotic medications, also called major tranquilizers. Risperidone is one of these. The treatment for dissociative identity disorder is psychotherapy.
Example Question #2 : Schizophrenia And Depression
Seasonal affective disorder has been associated with an increase in activity of which of the following proteins?
MTHFR
Glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4)
Serotonin transporter (SERT)
Acetylcholinesterase
Serotonin transporter (SERT)
Seasonal affective disorder has been associated with an increase in "serotonin transporter," or SERT. This protein is responsible for removing serotonin from the synaptic cleft and replacing it in the presynaptic neuron; therefore, it ends serotonin's signaling in the brain. Individuals with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) have been shown to have higher levels of SERT in the winter months or any condition of decreased light exposure.
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