Biological Explanations-Genetic

Question 1

Genetics

Answer 1

Genes consist of DNA strands which produce instructions for general physical features of an organism and also specific physical features.
These may impact psychological features
Genes are inherited

Question 2

Family studies

Answer 2

Risk increases when genes are similar to a relative with that disorder
Gottesmans Large scale family study. 2%-Auntie. 9%-sibling. 48%-identical twin

Question 3

Candidate genes

Answer 3

Each individual gene confers a small increased risk of schizophrenia(polygenetic)
Different combinations could lead to schizophrenia (heterozygous)
Ripke-37,000 patients and found 108 separate genetic variations associated with risk of Sz

Question 4

Role of mutation

Answer 4

Can appear in a family with no history due to mutation(radiation, poison, infection)
Positive correlation between paternal age and risk of SZ
From 0.7% in under 25 , to 2% in father’s over 50

Question 5

Strength-strong evidence

Answer 5

Gottesmans study shows increased risk with genetic similarity
Tienari-Biological children of parents with SZ are more at risk even if they’ve grown up elsewhere
Some vulnerable as a result of genetics

Question 6

Limitation-environmental factors

Answer 6

Traumatic birth, THC rich cannabis in teen years
Childhood trauma -67% of people with SZ or psychotic disorders reported at least one childhood trauma 38% for those in a control group
Genetic factors can’t be only explanation