Biological explanations Flashcards
GEN- What is the general statement that Family Studies use?
The closer degree of genetic relatedness, the greater the risk of schizophrenia.
GEN- Describe the concordance rates of children with two S Parents, one S parent, and S siblings.
Two S parents - 46%
One S parent - 13%
S siblings - 9%
GEN- What was the concordance rate that Joseph calculated between twins?
40% in Monozygotic twins.
7% in Dizygotic twins.
GEN- What is the issue with results Joseph found?
Given that the genetic similarity should be 100%, monozygotic twins should show a concordance rate of 100%
GEN- Describe what happeend in a blind diagnosis relating to MZ and DZ concordance rates.
Clinicians reported lower concordance rates in MZ twins in a methodologically sound study.
GEN- Describe why adoption studied are useful to genetic research.
There are difficulties within disentangling the effects of enviromental and genetic factors, so clinicians look towards individuals reared apart.
GEN- Describe Tienari’s research.
Of 164 adopted babies from schizophrenic parents, 7% was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Of 197 control adopted babies (no schizophrenic parent), only 2% was diagnosed.
This shows that genetic liability has been decisively confirmed.
DOP- How does the dopamine hypothesis explain schizophrenia?
Characteristical symptoms of schizphrenia are due to the nueron receptors responsible for transmitting dopamine are too active.
Dopamine plays a role in guiding attention, which if interrupted leads to distrubances relating to attention.
DOP- Describe the role of dopamine in Schizophrenia revolving around Amphetamines.
Amphetamines is a ‘dopamine agonist’ which stimulates dopamine cells and floods dopamine synapses.
This causes schizophrenic episodes such as hallucinating and being delusional.
DOP- Describe the role of dopamine in Schizophrenia revolving around antipsychotic drugs.
Antipsychotics are ‘dopamine antagonists’ by blocking the D2 receptors and eliminates schizophrenic symptoms. Evidence of this provides a strong case of dopamine’s role in schizophrenia.
DOP- Describe the role of dopamine in Schizophrenia revolving around Parkinsons disease.
Low levels of dopamine are found in those who suffer from Parkinsons. Those who took the L-Dopa drug to increase dopamine experienced schizophrenic symptoms. (Grilly).
