A2 - Biological Approach

Question 1

What is genetic predispostion?

Answer 1

You are more likely to develop a disease due to your genetic makeup.

Question 2

How does genetic predisposition work?

Answer 2

It contributes to the development of the disease but not causes the disease. It usually requires an environmental trigger.

Question 3

What did Vink (2005) aim for?

Answer 3

To see if genetic risk factors contribute separately to smoking initiation and nicotine dependence.

Question 4

Procedure to Vink (2005)

Answer 4

Gathered data from 868 monozygotic twins and 704 dizygotic twins, they complete a test.

Question 5

What were the findings of Vink (2005)

Answer 5

Smoking initiation - 44% of the variation between individuals is explained by genetic factors.
56% by environmental.
Nicotine dependence is 75% to genetic factors.

Question 6

What do neurotransmitters do?

Answer 6

They transmit electrical messages from one nerve cell to another.

Question 7

What happens if there is a chemical imbalance?

Answer 7

It can effect one’s behaviour and is usually responsible for the symptoms of mental disorders.

Question 8

Schizophrenia in relation to neurotransmitters.

Answer 8

There is an overactivity of dopamine, leading to delusion.

Question 9

Depression in relation to neurotransmitters.

Answer 9

Under activity of serotonin leads to low mood.

Question 10

Addiction in relation to neurotransmitters.

Answer 10

Individuals vulnerable to drug addiction suffer from inactive dopamine receptors.

Question 11

What causes dopamine deficiency?

Answer 11

Drugs, stress, alcohol.