Biological Explanation For Sz

Question 1

Genetic theory A01

Answer 1

States sz is hereditary and passed on from one generation to the next through genes

Persons born with a genetic predisposition to sz

Several maladaptive candidate genes such as PCM1 are involved (polygenic) increasing vunrability to developing SZ

Studies have shown that 108 separate variations are associated in risk of developing sz

Question 2

What did Gottesmen find ?

Answer 2

Studies 40 twins found concordance rate for monozygotic twins was 48 % and only 17 % for dizygotic

Thus closer the genetic link with sz more of a chance of developing sz

Question 3

Neural correlates brain structure or function

Answer 3

Nueral correlate of sz is enlarged ventricles

Meta analysis by raz and raz found over half of individuals tested with sz had increased ventricle size compared control group

Question 4

Enlarged ventricles

Answer 4

Associated with damage to central brain areas and pre frontal cortex

This damage is associated with the negative symptoms of sz

Question 5

Nueral correlates :dopamine hypothesis

Answer 5

Brain chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) appear to work differently in the brain of a patient with sz

Dopamine is widely believed to be involved as individuals with sz release too much dopamine

Or have large amount of DZ receptors on the post synaptic nueron