Which dopaminergic tract projects to limbic structures and is often associated with positive psychotic symptoms when hyperactive?

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The mesolimbic pathway is the dopaminergic projection from the ventral tegmental area to limbic structures such as the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus. When this pathway is overactive, dopamine signaling in these limbic regions tends to increase, which is associated with the emergence of positive psychotic symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

In contrast, the tuberoinfundibular tract runs from the hypothalamus to the pituitary and primarily regulates prolactin release, not limbic or psychotic symptoms. The mesocortical tract projects to the prefrontal cortex and, when underactive, is more linked to negative symptoms and cognitive issues rather than positive psychotic features. Norepinephrine is a different neurotransmitter system altogether, not a dopaminergic limbic tract.