Biological Explanations-Genetic Flashcards
Genetics
Genes consist of DNA strands which produce instructions for general physical features of an organism and also specific physical features.
These may impact psychological features
Genes are inherited
Family studies
Risk increases when genes are similar to a relative with that disorder
Gottesmans Large scale family study. 2%-Auntie. 9%-sibling. 48%-identical twin
Candidate genes
Each individual gene confers a small increased risk of schizophrenia(polygenetic)
Different combinations could lead to schizophrenia (heterozygous)
Ripke-37,000 patients and found 108 separate genetic variations associated with risk of Sz
Role of mutation
Can appear in a family with no history due to mutation(radiation, poison, infection)
Positive correlation between paternal age and risk of SZ
From 0.7% in under 25 , to 2% in father’s over 50
Strength-strong evidence
Gottesmans study shows increased risk with genetic similarity
Tienari-Biological children of parents with SZ are more at risk even if they’ve grown up elsewhere
Some vulnerable as a result of genetics
Limitation-environmental factors
Traumatic birth, THC rich cannabis in teen years
Childhood trauma -67% of people with SZ or psychotic disorders reported at least one childhood trauma 38% for those in a control group
Genetic factors can’t be only explanation