Biological Explanaton: Neural Correlates Flashcards
What are neural correlates?
The variations in neural structure and biochemistry that are connected with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia.
Outline research which suggests neural correlates cause schizophrenia.
Juck et al
- found lower levels of activity in the ventral striatum (VS) of SZ patients than control.
- found a correlation between activity in VS and severity of SZ symptoms.
Outline the original dopamine hypothesis.
-Propose SZ is caused by hyperdopaminergia (high levels of dopamine).
-Too many dopamine receptors in Broca’s area may be associated with speech poverty or auditory hallucinations.
Outline the more recent dopamine hypothesis.
-Caused by hypodopaminergia (low levels of dopamine).
-Abnormal levels cause SZ too.
-Low levels in prefrontal cortex may explain negative symptoms.
-Excess levels in mesolimbic pathways leads to positive symptoms.
Which neurotransmitters are associated with schizophrenia?
Dopamine and Glutamate
What is one strength of neural correlates as an explanation for schizophrenia?
- Research support for dopamine hypothesis.
Curran et al: dopamine agonists increase levels of dopamine and worsen and produce SZ like symptoms.
Shows dopamine is involved in SZ symptoms.
Therefore, hyperdopaminergia is a key cause of SZ.
What are two weaknesses of neural correlates as an explanation of schizophrenia?
- Evidence for central role of glutamate in SZ.
Postmortem and live scanning studies: found raised levels of glutamate in several brain regions in SZ patients.
Several candidate genes for SZ are believed to be involved in glutamate production/processing.
Suggests equally strong case for role of glutamate as there is for role of dopamine.
Therefore, reduces credibility for dopamine hyp as, other neurotransmitters are involved which means emphasis of dopamine may be incorrect. - Opposing exp.
Psychological: family dysfunction.
