EXPLANATIONS FOR SCHIZOPH (FAMILY, ADOPTION, TWIN STUDIES)

Question 1

What are twin studies?

Answer 1

• Studies that compare the similarties and differences between MZ and DZ twins to understand role of genetics vs enviroment in developing certain disorders.

Question 2

Concordance rate?

Answer 2

• The likelihood that family members or twins exhibit the same trait or condition.

Question 3

Name 1 researcher that has investigated into concordance rates for schizophrenia?

Answer 3

• Gottesman (1991)

Question 4

What have twin studies discovered regarding the concordance rate for schizophrenia?

Answer 4

• Higher concordance rates for schizophrenia in MZ compared to DZ twins

Question 5

What did Gottesman (1991) discover in regards to schizophrenia?

Answer 5

• Monozygotic twins (48%) have a higher concordance rate for schizophrenia than dizygotic twins (17%)

Demonstrates genetic component as MZ who share more fo their DNA are more likely to inherit the same disorder.

Question 6

Can you name another swedish-based twin study?

Answer 6

Hilker et al (2017)

Question 7

When did Gottesman conduct his twin study?

Answer 7

1991

Question 8

When did Hilker et al conduct their twin study?

Answer 8

2017

Question 9

How much ppts where in Hilker et al’s study?

Answer 9

30,000 Danish twins

Question 10

What were the results of Hilker et al’s (2017) study?

Answer 10

• The heritability of schizophrenia was 79%

approximately 79% of the variation in the risk of developing schizophrenia can be attributed to genetic factors.

Question 11

How did Hilker et al access his target population?

Answer 11

• Used two national registers

1. Danish Twin Register (DTR)
2. Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register (DPCRR)