Following is true for schizophrenia?
**Core Concept**
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. The pathophysiology of schizophrenia involves complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors, leading to abnormalities in dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the neurochemical imbalance in schizophrenia. Dopamine dysregulation is a key feature of the disorder, with excessive dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway contributing to positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. This is often treated with antipsychotic medications that block dopamine D2 receptors. In contrast, the mesocortical pathway, which is involved in cognitive function, is affected by decreased dopamine activity.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because while schizophrenia does involve cognitive impairments, it is not primarily characterized by attention deficits.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the primary neurochemical imbalance in schizophrenia is not related to serotonin, but rather dopamine and glutamate.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because while schizophrenia can involve mood symptoms, it is not primarily classified as a mood disorder.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key feature of schizophrenia is the presence of negative symptoms, such as social withdrawal and apathy, which are often more challenging to treat than positive symptoms.
**Correct Answer: C.**