Antipsychotics and movement side effects
A patient taking a first-generation antipsychotic develops tremor and rigidity resembling Parkinson's disease. Blockade of D2 receptors in which pathway causes this?
Answer B: explanation for every choice
A
Blocking the mesolimbic pathway is how antipsychotics reduce positive symptoms.
B
Correct. The nigrostriatal pathway regulates movement. Blocking dopamine there mimics Parkinson's disease.
C
Blocking the tuberoinfundibular pathway raises prolactin.
D
Reduced mesocortical dopamine is linked to negative and cognitive symptoms.
TakeawayNigrostriatal: movement. Mesolimbic: positive symptoms. Tuberoinfundibular: prolactin.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps166.