Biological explanations of schizophrenia

Question 1

Genetic explanation

Answer 1

It is argued that schizophrenia is passed on from one generation to the next

The closer related the family member is the greater the chance of developing disorder

Combination of genes

Schizophrenia is believed to be polygenic

Question 2

Genetic explanation: twin studies

Answer 2

Concordance rate

Dizygotic twins argued to have lower rates of schizophrenia, than monozygotic because they share the same 100% genes

Question 3

Neural correlates

Answer 3

Changes in neuronal events and mechanisms

Development of SZ symptoms

Damaged prefrontal cortex and hippocampus

Question 4

Dopamine hypothesis

Answer 4

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are the result of overactive transmission of dopamine

Positive symptoms are caused by excess of dopamine

Negative symptoms are from a deficit of dopamine