Schizophrenia Flashcards

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1
Q

Genetic Explanations of Schizophrenia - 5 (AO1)

A
  • Grottesman found MZ twins have 48% of shared Schz + as genetic similarity increases so does risk of developing Schz
  • However, concordance rate not 100% must be some environmental factors
  • candidate genes are individual genes that increase risk of Schz
  • Schz is polygenic + aetiologically heterogeneous ( different combinations of factors + genes implicated)
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2
Q

why is schz describes as aetiologically heterogeneous ?

A

different combination of factors + genes implicated in condition

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3
Q

what is hypodopaminergia ?

A
  • low levels of dopamine in prefrontal cortex (thinking) linked to negative symptoms such as avolition
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4
Q

what is hyperdopaminergia ?

A
  • excess dopamine in subcortex is linked to positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions
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5
Q

What symptoms does DSM focus on ?

A

positive symptoms for more than 6 months

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6
Q

What symptoms does ICD focus on ?

A

negative symptoms for more than 1 month

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7
Q

Explain what is meant by positive symptoms of schizophrenia and give two examples ?

A
  • additional experiences
  • hallucinations = unusual sensory experiences
  • delusions = irrational beliefs
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8
Q

Explain what is meant by negative symptoms of schizophrenia and give two examples ?

A
  • loss of usual abilities
  • avolition = lack of motivation / energy
  • speech poverty
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9
Q

What are the 5 main issues with the methods of C+D for Schz ?

A
  • culture bias
  • low inter-rater reliability
  • gender bias
  • symptom overlap
  • co - morbidity
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10
Q

what is co-morbidity ?

A

2 conditions co-exist in the same individual at the same time

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11
Q

what is symptom overlap ?

A

symptoms from one disorder are present in another eg. BPD + Schz

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12
Q

Strengths of Biological exp
(adoption + amphetamine )

A
  • RS from adoption studies:
    -Tienari = found there was a higher percentage of adoptees whose mother has schz were diagnosed compared to the control group
  • therefore isolates environmental influences
  • supports genetic (nature)
  • amphetamine is a drug that increases dopamine levels
  • can induce symptoms in non sufferers
  • therefore supports dopamine hypothesis
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13
Q

2 weaknesses of biological explanations

A
  • biological reductionism = ignores psychological factors therefore diathesis stress is better alternative
  • problems with determining cause + effect = unusual dopamine disorder may be consequence of disorder rather than cause
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14
Q

what is the psychological explanation for Schz ?

A
  • family dysfunction ( Schz mother, expressed emotion , double bind theory )
  • cognitive ( metrarepresentation + central control )
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15
Q

what is research support for central control dysfunction ?

A
  • study compared performance on Stroop test of a group of Schizhophrenics compared to control group
  • found schizophrenic’s took twice as long to name colours compared to control group
  • due to inability to supress automatic thoughts ie. reading out word
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16
Q

LIMITATIONS OF PSYCH EXPLANATAIONS

A
  • family dysfunction leads to parent blaming
  • cognitive explanations are proximal rather than distal
17
Q

what are typical antipsychotics + give an example ?

A
  • eg. chlorpromazine
  • dopamine antagonists
  • bind to + block D2 receptors permanently
  • reduces +ve symptoms such as hallucinations + has a calming effect
18
Q

what are atypical antipsychotics + give an examples

A
  • eg. clozapine + risperidone
  • block D2 receptors temporarily
  • act on other neurotransmitters such as serotonin
  • reduces negative symptoms such as avolition
19
Q

what are limitations of antipsychotics ?

A
  • antipsychotics are chemical cosh = unethical as not being used for patients own benefit
  • side effects = tardive dysikensia = irreversible
20
Q

strengths of antipsychotics ?

A
  • research support for effectiveness
  • chlorpromazine more effective than placebo
  • clozapine more effective than typical + less side effects
  • cost effective
  • support hyperdopaminergia