Epidemiology

Question 1

Genetic factors

Answer 1

Risk for MZ is 44.3%
DZ twins 12%
Genes associated with schizo and bipolar: DRD2 COMT

Question 2

Neurotransmitters

Answer 2

Excessive dopamine activity: dopamine theory

Drugs that effectively treat schizo reduce dopamine. Though did result in parkinsonism

Question 3

Amphetamines

Answer 3

In healthy samples can result in schizo symptoms, realting to the dopamine theory.

Question 4

Prefrontal cortex

Answer 4

Enlargement of the ventricles and dysfunction by reduction in grey matter and the temporal cortex is seen in schizo patients

Question 5

Connectivity in the brain

Answer 5

Structoral connectivity; explains how they are connected via white matter (schizo’s have less)
Functional connectivity; explains connectivity between regions based on correlations between oxygen level (measured with fMRI). Reduced FC in schizo patient.
Effective connectivity; Combines both types, revealing correlation in blood oxygen and direction/timing of those activations. Diminished in schizo’s.

Question 6

Environmental factors influencing development of brain

Answer 6

Deafness and environmental deprivation

Brain abnormality during gestation or birth

Question 7

Psychological factors

Answer 7

SES (socioeconomic status)
- Sociogenic hypothesis: Less supported, explains that stress is associated to poverty
- Social selection hypothesis: More supported, explains that in developing schizo, people drift into poor neighbourhoods because it impairs earning power.
Migrants have high predisposition in foreign country
Family factors: Expressed emotion, critical comments, hostility etc

Question 8

Developmental factors

Answer 8

Retrospective studies: Kids who developed schizo had lower IQ and were more withdrawn

Prospective studies: Lower IQ predicted onset,