Biological Explanation for Schizophrenia Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the core idea of the genetic explanation for schizophrenia?
The genetic explanation suggests that schizophrenia is inherited and therefore tends to run in families.
What is the concordance rate for monozygotic (MZ) twins regarding schizophrenia?
MZ twins have a 48% concordance rate.
What is the concordance rate for dizygotic (DZ) twins regarding schizophrenia?
DZ twins have a 17% concordance rate.
How does the risk of schizophrenia in the general population compare to twins?
The risk in the general population is 1%, which supports the idea that sharing genes increases risk.
What does it mean that schizophrenia is polygenic?
Schizophrenia is influenced by many genes, each contributing a small increase in risk.
What is the link between schizophrenia and dopamine regulation?
Many genes associated with schizophrenia are linked to dopamine regulation, explaining abnormal dopamine activity in affected individuals.
What does genetic variability mean in the context of schizophrenia?
Different individuals with schizophrenia may carry different combinations of risk genes.
What supporting evidence exists for the genetic explanation of schizophrenia?
Children born to biological parents with schizophrenia are more likely to develop the disorder, even when adopted into families with no history of schizophrenia.
What is a limitation regarding confounding variables in twin studies?
MZ twins might have higher concordance rates due to shared environments, not just genetics.
What is the concern with biological determinism in the genetic explanation?
It suggests people are predetermined to develop schizophrenia due to their genes, potentially leading to feelings of hopelessness.
What is a limitation of biological reductionism in the genetic explanation?
It reduces schizophrenia to just a genetic cause, ignoring psychological and environmental factors.
What alternative model provides a more holistic view of schizophrenia?
The diathesis-stress model suggests schizophrenia develops from an interaction between genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors.
