Biological explanations for schizophrenia Flashcards
(22 cards)
What do genetic explanations suggest about schizophrenia?
That it is inherited through genes and runs in families
What is the risk of developing schizophrenia in the general population?
About 1%
What does a higher concordance rate in MZ twins than DZ twins suggest?
A strong genetic component
What is the risk if one identical (MZ) twin has schizophrenia?
Around 48%
What is the risk if one fraternal (DZ) twin has schizophrenia?
Around 17%
Which study supports the genetic basis of schizophrenia using adoption studies?
Tienari et al. found higher risk in biological children of schizophrenic mothers even when adopted
What are candidate genes?
Specific genes thought to be involved in the development of schizophrenia.
Is schizophrenia caused by a single gene?
No, it is polygenic schizophrenia involves many genes
What is meant by “aetiologically heterogeneous”?
Different genes may cause schizophrenia in different people
Which gene is commonly linked to schizophrenia and dopamine regulation?
The DRD2 gene
What are neural correlates?
Brain structures or functions that are associated with schizophrenia symptoms
Which brain structure is often found to be enlarged in schizophrenic patients?
Ventricles (specifically lateral ventricles)
What is the link between enlarged ventricles and schizophrenia?
They are associated with negative symptoms and cognitive deficits
What brain area is linked to auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia?
Broca’s area
What brain region is often underactive in people with schizophrenia?
The prefrontal cortex
What do neural correlates suggest about schizophrenia?
That abnormal brain structure or function is involved in symptom development
What does the dopamine hypothesis suggest about schizophrenia?
That abnormal dopamine activity causes symptoms of schizophrenia
How do antipsychotic drugs support the dopamine hypothesis?
They block dopamine receptors and reduce positive symptoms
What is a criticism of the original dopamine hypothesis?
It focused only on high dopamine levels and ignored other brain areas
What type of evidence supports the dopamine hypothesis?
Drug studies, brain imaging, and post-mortem studies
What is the revised dopamine hypothesis?
Both high and low dopamine activity in different brain regions are involved
Which neurotransmitters, besides dopamine, might also be involved in schizophrenia?
Glutamate and serotonin
