The excess activity of which neurotransmitter has been associated with Schizophrenia?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Dopamine
Abnormal activity of certain neurotransmitters can lead to particular disorders: anxiety disorders are linked to low activity of GABA, schizophrenia to excess activity of dopamine, and depression to low activity of serotonin.
Option (2) Serotonin — Incorrect. Its low activity is linked to depression, not its excess to schizophrenia.
Option (3) Glutamate and Option (4) Acetylcholine — Incorrect. Both are neurotransmitters too: glutamate is the brain’s main excitatory messenger, and acetylcholine carries messages where nerves meet muscles and plays a part in memory. Neither is the one whose excess activity is tied to schizophrenia.
Note 1: The neurotransmitters in Options (3) and (4), ‘glutamate’ and ‘acetylcholine’, are not in NCERT (2025-26); explained here for the benefit of the students.
Note 2: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 06-06-2026 (Slot 1).
Note 3: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 30-05-2023 (Slot 2).
NCERT (2025-26): “Factors Underlying Abnormal Behaviour … Studies indicate that abnormal activity by certain neuro-transmitters can lead to specific psychological disorders. Anxiety disorders have been linked to low activity of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), schizophrenia to excess activity of dopamine, and depression to low activity of serotonin.…” |