6.2: Biological explanations for schizophrenia

Question 1

Louise comes from a family with a history of schizophrenia, as both her grandfather and an aunt have been diagnosed with the disorder. Louise’s father has recently died from cancer and she has just moved out of the family home to start a university course. Although she has always been healthy in the past, she has just begun to experience symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations.
Using your knowledge of schizophrenia, explain why Louise is now showing symptoms of schizophrenia (4 marks)

Answer 1

Louise is now showing symptoms of schizophrenia, because

Application of the diathesis-stress model as follows:
• genetic vulnerability interacts with stressful life events which trigger schizophrenia
• family background = genetic vulnerability
• losing parent/going to university = stressful event