The wife of a client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia asks, 'I've been told that my husband's illness is probably related to imbalanced brain chemicals. Can you be more specific?' The response based on the dopamine hypothesis is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-By-Step Rationale:
1. The dopamine hypothesis states that an increase in dopamine is linked to delusions and hallucinations in schizophrenia.
2. Delusions and hallucinations are common positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
3. Therefore, choice A is correct as it directly aligns with the dopamine hypothesis and the symptoms observed in paranoid schizophrenia.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B. Incorrect because an increase in dopamine is not typically associated with lack of motivation and disordered affect in schizophrenia.
C. Incorrect because decreased amounts of dopamine are not linked to delusions and hallucinations in schizophrenia.
D. Incorrect because the breakdown of dopamine producing LSD and causing psychosis is not supported by the dopamine hypothesis in schizophrenia.