biological explanations of schizophrenia

Question 1

genetic basis of schizophrenia

Answer 1

family studies
candidate genes
mutation

Question 2

role of dopamine

Answer 2

is involved in schizophrenia because it is featured in the functioning of brain systems related to the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 3

family studies ( case study )

Answer 3

Gottesman large scale study someone with an aunt with schizophrenia has a 2% chance of developing it ,9% for sibling + 48% for identical twin.

Question 4

original DA hypothesis ( hyperdopaminergia linked to sub cortex)

Answer 4

higher dopamine activity in subcortex ( central areas of the brain) associated with hallucinations + poverty of speech

Question 5

updated version ( hypodopaminergia
linked to prefrontal cortex )

Answer 5

Updated hypothesis has added low levels of DA in the prefrontal cortex ( responsible for thinking) could explain negative symptoms

Question 6

what are 2 strengths of biological explanation of schizophrenia?

Answer 6

1. strength strong evidence base.
2. is support for dopamine in the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 7

what are 2 limitations of biological explanations of schizophrenia?

Answer 7

1. is evidence for environmental risk factors
2. is evidence for a central role of glutamate