Neuropsychology of Aberrant Salience 1

Psychosis

A mental state characterized by unusual experiences, beliefs, and thoughts arising from physical or psychological causes.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and reinforcement in the brain, often linked to psychosis and addiction.

Aberrant Salience

The phenomenon where certain cues or stimuli are attributed excess importance or relevance, often due to dysregulated dopamine signaling.

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSDs)

A group of mental health disorders defined by the presence of symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and negativistic behaviors.

Biology of SSDs

Enlargement of lateral brain ventricles, a pair of C‑shaped cerebrospinal fluid‑filled cavities inside each cerebral hemisphere. Functions: cushions the brain, helps remove waste, and maintains a stable chemical environment. This may be due to a shrinking in hippocampus brain tissue surrounding the ventricles. Despite this, the hippocampus is more active especially during hallucinations. Fewer GABAergic interneurons here, disinhibition of glutamatergic interneurons. Causes difficulty with forming new memories and other symptoms. Antipsychotics may be associated with a decrease in size of lateral ventricles.

Positive Symptoms of Psychosis

Symptoms that involve experiencing something new, such as hallucinations and delusions.

Negative Symptoms of Psychosis

Symptoms that reflect a loss of function, including diminished emotional expression and lack of motivation.

Cognitive Symptoms of Psychosis

Symptoms characterized by disorganized thinking and impairment in memory and attention.

Antipsychotic Medications

Drugs used to alleviate symptoms of psychosis, primarily by antagonizing dopamine D2-type receptors.

Relapse

The return to drug use after a period of abstinence, often triggered by cues associated with previous drug use.

Sensitization

The increased responsiveness of the brain's dopamine system to drug exposure, potentially leading to greater drug-seeking behavior.

Contingency Management (CM)

A behavioral therapy method that uses rewards to reinforce positive behaviors like abstinence from drug use.