Biological Explanations Of Sz

Question 1

The genetic explanation for schizophrenia

Answer 1

Genes code for biological processes, including variations in brain structure biochemistry that is not one single sz gene put a collection of gene locations that are associated with a higher risk of developing schizophrenia meaning the disorder is polygenetic

Question 3

Family studies

Answer 3

Strong relationship between the degree of genetic similarity and shared risk of schizophrenia. Gossmann did a large scale study found someone with an aunt with sz has a 2% chance of developing it 9% for a sibling and 48% for an identical twin

Question 4

Mutation

Answer 4

Schizophrenia can also have a genetic origin in the absence of a family history because of mutation in parental DNA

Question 5

Role of dopamine

Answer 5

Dopamine is widely believed to be involved in schizophrenia because it is featured in the function of brain systems related to the symptoms of schizophrenia

Question 7

Original DA hypothesis

Answer 7

High dopamine activity in subcortex central areas of the brain associated with hallucinations and poverty of speech

Question 8

Updated version

Answer 8

Updated hypothesis is added low levels of dopamine in the pre-frontal cortex responsible for thinking could explain negative symptoms It also explains origins of abnormal dopamine genetic variations and early experiences of stress makes some people more sensitive to cortical hypodaminergia and hence subcortical

Question 10

A positive is support from gottesman and shield

Answer 10

Mz twins -48%
Dz twins 13%

Question 11

Adoption study from Tienari et al

Answer 11

Biological children of parents with schizophrenia are at greater risk even if they grow up in a adoptive family this shows that some people are more vulnerable schizophrenia because of their genes

Question 12

One limitation is evidence for environmental risk factors

Answer 12

Be electrical risk factors include birth complications and smoking THC rich cannabis in teenage years psychological risk factors include childhood trauma e.g. 67% with schizophrenia reported at least one with childhood trauma. This means greens alone could not provide a complete explanation for schizophrenia.