What neurotransmitter is linked to both movement motivation and schizophrenia when present in excess?

Dopamine is indeed the neurotransmitter linked to movement motivation and schizophrenia, especially when present in excess. It plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system and is responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation, as well as controlling fine motor skills.

In the context of schizophrenia, research indicates that heightened levels of dopamine activity may contribute to positive symptoms of the disorder, such as hallucinations and delusions. This understanding has led to the development of antipsychotic medications that often target dopamine receptors to help alleviate these symptoms.

Although other neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, GABA, and glutamate play significant roles in various neurological functions and mental health disorders, they are not primarily linked to both movement motivation and schizophrenia to the extent that dopamine is. Acetylcholine is mainly involved in muscle action and memory; GABA functions as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, and glutamate is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter. Their contributions differ, which emphasizes dopamine’s unique dual association in the context of movement motivation and schizophrenia.