biological explanations: genetic factors

Question 1

what are the three genes implicated in SZ

Answer 1

dopamine receptors genes (D2)
glutamate receptor genes (NMDA)
G-protein couples receptor kinase (GRK)

Question 2

how do Dopamine receptor genes affect SZ’s?

Answer 2

Affects number of dopamine receptor sites and transport proteins for dopamine. Associated with both positive and negative symptoms (Davis & Khan, 1991)

Question 3

how does Glutamate receptor genes affect SZ’s?

Answer 3

Affects number of glutamate receptor sites. Especially important in the ventral striatum (part of basal ganglia). Associated with negative symptoms (Sorg et al., 2013)

Question 4

how does G-protein coupled receptor kinase affect SZ’s?

Answer 4

Makes epigenetic and sensitivity changes to receptors for a number of excitatory neurotransmitters. Higher levels increase effects. (Funk et al., 2014)