6.1 - Schizophrenia (Explanation)

Question 1

2 explanations for Schizophrenia

Answer 1

Biological (Genetics & Biochemical)
Psychological (Cognitive)

Question 2

Gottesman Study (Genetic - Schizophrenia)
(2)

Answer 2

The likelihood of developing Schizophrenia is 1% in the general public

However the number changes to 48% if you have an identical twin (MZ share 100% of their DNA)

Question 3

Hilker (Schizophrenia)

Answer 3

Heritability is 79%

Question 4

Dopamine Hypothesis (3)

Answer 4

People with schizophrenia produce more dopamine and dopamine receptors than those without schizophrenia

Excess of dopamine in certain areas can cause different symptoms of schizophrenia.
Ex: excess of dopamine in Broca’s region can impair logical speech (common symptom of schizophrenia)

Question 5

Dopamine connection to Parkinsons (2)

Answer 5

To treat people with Parkinsons, they give dopamine – when the dosage is too high their symptoms become similar to schizophrenic symptoms (such as hallucinations)

Question 6

Post-morten studies (Schizophrenia) (2)

Answer 6

brain studies on dead schizophrenic individuals found that people with schizophrnia have higher dopamine receptors than those without schizophrenia

They also found that schizophrenic patients had abnormally low enzymes that break down dopamine, suggesting dopamine may have been present in excessive quantities.

Question 7

Psychological explanation for schizophrenia

Answer 7

Cognitive

faulty mental process
– abnormality of self monitoring.
–> they fail recognise their perceived hallunicinations are just inner speach
Ex: they think someone else is speaking to them (controlling their mind)

Question 8

Misinterpretation of perception (Schizophrenia) (3)

Answer 8

They may apply logical reasoning to their hallucinations

Inability to recognize other people’s intentions which leads to delusions
Ex: delusions of paranoia (someone is against them)