Question

Which of these sub functions of attention, modulated by dopamine release, is most affected by diseases such as schizophrenia ?

• A. Orienting
• B. Executive attention
• C. Vigilance
• D. Alerting

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Executive attention

• Executive attention is involved in goal-directed behavior, monitoring conflicts between internal processes, and anticipating the effects of behavior. Dopamine from the ventral tegmental area is associated with executing attention.
• Orienting attention involves the capacity to change the focus of attention from one stimulus to another stimulus. This network is predominantly modulated by acetylcholine produced in the basal forebrain.
• Alerting attention is affected by regular aging but deficits are not often associated with schizophrenia. Neurotransmitter modulation of this attentional network is associated with norepinephrine produced in the locus ceruleus.
• Vigilance (like active search, selective attention, and divided attention) is a type of attention. These types of attention are often described as main functions rather than sub functions of attention.