Biological factors

Question 1

Genetic vulnerability to specific disorders (3)

Answer 1

• Twin studies, family studies and adoption studies have suggested that people can be more at risk of developing a mental disorder if it runs in the family.
• Our genes, passed onto us by our parents, instruct our body on how to it will make proteins that makes up our cells, including those in our brain. A genetic mutation can cause proteins to be created that will function differently to how they should.
• Some people are genetically predisposed to producing low or high levels of particular neurotransmitters that render them at a greater risk of a mental disorder.

Question 2

Poor response to medication due to genetic factors (2)

Answer 2

• Some people response better to than others to medication, depending in part on their genetic makeup and metabolism.
• Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters are thought to be involved in mental disorders.

Question 3

Poor sleep (1)

Answer 3

• Chronic sleep problems are associated with mental health issues and each can perpetuate the other.

Question 4

Long term substance abuse

Answer 4

• Addictive substances such as alcohol and nicotine change the way the brain works by interfering with chemical neurotransmitters.
• Some drugs can trigger the onset of a disorder Eg. schizophrenia.