Theories of schizophrenia Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the main biological theories of schizophrenia?
Biological factors, dopamine hypothesis, neuroanatomy
The dopamine hypothesis suggests schizophrenia involves excess dopamine activity.
What does Heston’s (1966) adoption study indicate about schizophrenia?
Offspring of mothers with schizophrenia had a higher incidence of schizophrenia compared to control children
This study followed 47 offspring of mothers with schizophrenia and 50 control children over 35 years.
What is the dopamine hypothesis in relation to schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia involves an excess of dopamine activity, symptoms similar to dopamine action produced by cocaine and amphetamines, anti-psychotics relieve many symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors
Anti-psychotics relieve symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors.
What neurological findings are associated with schizophrenia?
Enlarged ventricles (especially in males), smaller brain volume, brain tissue loss in adolescent sz
These findings are particularly noted in adolescent schizophrenia.
What role does Broca’s area play in auditory hallucinations according to McGuire et al. (1993)?
Increased activity in Broca’s area during auditory hallucinations
This suggests a neurological basis for the experience of hallucinations.
True or False: TMS is effective in treating both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
False - most effective as treatment for auditory hallucinations
TMS is most effective for treating auditory hallucinations.
What is the stress-vulnerability model in psychological theories of schizophrenia?
Genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia increases sensitivity to stressors and negative life events
This model helps explain how environmental factors can trigger symptoms.
What does the gene-environment interaction model suggest about schizophrenia?
Dysfunctional family environments positively correlated with the likelihood of developing psychiatric disorders, especially in high genetic risk individuals
This highlights the importance of family functioning.
What are the three components of expressed emotion (EE)?
- Emotional over-involvement
- Criticism
- Hostility
High EE is a strong predictor of relapse in schizophrenia.
What did Brown et al. (1972) find regarding relapse rates in schizophrenia?
Patients with high EE relatives had a significantly higher relapse rate than those with low EE families
This finding has been replicated across various cultures.
What characterizes bipolar disorder according to DSM V?
Symptoms of both mania and depression
Bipolar disorder bridges schizophrenia and depressive disorders.
What is the average onset age for bipolar disorder?
Early 20s
The disorder has an equal prevalence in males and females.
List three symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder.
- Abnormally elevated mood
- Inflated self-esteem
- Increased goal-directed activity
Mania can significantly impair social and occupational functioning.
What does Carrie Fisher’s experience illustrate about bipolar disorder?
The severity of manic states and the challenges of accepting the diagnosis
Her experience highlights the complexities of living with bipolar disorder.
What did Tienari et al find
Compared adopted children of mothers with schizophrenia, with controls, first group more likely to have diagnoses but all did well in healthy families -> suggests family plays crucial role
