Neurosciences and Basic Science Foundations
Expect questions linking neuroanatomy, neurotransmitter systems, and genetics to clinical phenomena. Know the dopamine pathways: mesolimbic (positive symptoms, reward), mesocortical (negative and cognitive symptoms), nigrostriatal (EPS), and tuberoinfundibular (prolactin). Serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate, and GABA underpin mood, anxiety, and psychosis models. The prefrontal cortex supports executive function, the amygdala fear processing, the hippocampus memory and stress regulation, and the basal ganglia motor and habit circuits.
Traps
- Confusing the nigrostriatal and tuberoinfundibular pathways when explaining EPS versus hyperprolactinemia.
- Overstating genetic determinism: heritability estimates describe populations, not individuals.
- Misattributing findings from animal models to humans.
- Forgetting basic neuroimaging indications and limitations.
Rule of thumb
Anchor each drug effect to a pathway or receptor, and each symptom to a circuit. Worked example: a patient develops galactorrhea on an antipsychotic-this reflects tuberoinfundibular dopamine blockade releasing prolactin from inhibition. A patient develops cogwheel rigidity-this reflects nigrostriatal blockade. Naming the pathway converts a memorized fact into a reasoned answer.