brain structure and SZ

Question 1

prefrontal cortex

Answer 1

(fully developed by late adolescence - when SZ is most known to develop)
- disorganised thoughts
- poverty of speech

Question 2

basal ganglia is larger

Answer 2

can affect the patterns of movements of SZ patients - often have motor dysfunctions

Question 3

enlarged ventricles

Answer 3

loss of brain cells, can explain negative symptoms

Question 4

hippocampus can be smaller

Answer 4

usually affects sensory filtering, so can lead to distress and paranoia

Question 5

loss of grey matter

Answer 5

patients with the worst brain tissue loss also tend to have the worst symptoms e.g. hallucinations, delusions

Question 6

smaller amygdala

Answer 6

responsible for basic feelings, can explain emotional flatness in SZ patients