bio explanation of schiz: genetics

Question 1

what is the genetic explanation?

Answer 1

people who are genetically related have a higher chance of heritability ge Hilker et al found 79% heritability rate for schizophrenia

Question 2

what is DiGeorge syndrome

Answer 2

deletion of 30-40 genes- 25% of people go on to develop schiz wright found 700 genes linked to schizphrenia

Question 3

what are 2 genes linked to schizophrenia

Answer 3

COMT gene- linked to regulating dopamine levels
DISC1 gene- 1.4x mor elijkely to develop schiz Kim et al this gene codes creation of GABA which regulates other NT

Question 4

what did gottesman and shields find

Answer 4

mz and dz twins schizophrenia- concordance is 75% MZ and 24% DZ

Question 5

applications to genetic explanation

Answer 5

provide families w genetic counselling,and understand risk factors
thome et al found in animals gene therapy was effective so once technical and ethical issues are sorted it could help

Question 6

evidence + genes

Answer 6

credibility- patients given the drug Levodopa which increases dopamine experience schizophrenia like symptoms eg hallucinations provides testable evidence that excess dopamine causes schizophrenia

evidence from twin studies eg G+S,

specific genes eg DIS1C and COMT + USES BIOLOGICAL APPROACH WHICH HAS SCIOENTIFIC STATUS AND CREDIBILITY

used to counsel families when a family member develops schizophrenia they can understand others may get it

Question 7

evidence - genes

Answer 7

G+S weaknesses eg nature v nurture, not 100% concordance despite shared genotype

confusion as to exact genes responsible eg wright 2014 suggested 700 genes linked- can’t find exact predisposition meaning it doesn’t lead to treatment HOWEVER thome et al 2010 found animal genetic therapy to be effective in psychoses

reductionist as there could be other factors involved

Question 8

good conc point for eval genetic explanation

Answer 8

may inherit a genetic predisposition, triggered by environmental factors so diathesis stress moidel suggests a genetic predisposition which is apparent when stressed out about factors- holistic

Question 9

methodology + genes

Answer 9

main supporting evidence comes from PET scans investigating dopamine levels in patients with schizophrenia- objective

Question 10

methodology - genes

Answer 10

PET scans can be seen as stressful - not valid results on dopamine functioning