Evaluation of biological explanations (Dopamine) of SZ

Question 1

A03 - supporting research?

Answer 1

P - There is supporting research for the dopamine hypothesis of developing SZ.

E - Randrup and Munkvad (1966) created SZ like behaviour in a sample of rats by giving them dopamine agonists (amphetamines) to raise dopamine levels by 3x a day for 6 days. The rats then showed long lasting abnormalities including being unable to filter out irrelavent sounds (attentional issues). This, then reversed using anti-psycotic medication.

E - Supporting the dopamine hypothesis as an explanation for SZ.

• Randrup and Munkvad
• (1966)
• rats
• dopamine agonists
• amphetamines
• 3x
• 6 days
• attentional issues
• anti - psychotic meds

Question 2

A03 - alternative approaches?

Answer 2

P - However, there are alternative approaches in explaining biological explanations for SZ.

E - For example, the genes approach suggests that SZ is developed genetically through relatives and gives a more innate explanation than the dopamaine hypothesis as well as a more nature side than this approach. (which is more nurture).

L - This suggests how alternate theories can also be put into account.

• alternate explanation
• genetics
• innate
• more nature apporach

Question 3

A03 - contribution towards diathesis stress model?

Answer 3

P - One strength of the high D2 explanation of SZ is that it can contribute towards the diathesis stress amount of SZ.

E - For example dopamine would be considered the diathesis (Bio element) and we can explore how this excess of dopamine interacts with env factors, e.g. substance missuse and urban living which are stressors.

E - Therefore, the dopamine hypothesis of SZ is a vital element in trying to understand the full explanation of what causes SZ.

• Diathesis stress model
• bio element
• enviormental factors