Schizophrenia Theory

Question 1

Stress-Diathesis Model

Answer 1

Inherited and acquired factors (prenatal events and postnatal stressors) create vulnerability making person more sensitive to stress

Question 2

Neuromaturational Processes

Answer 2

Abnormality in genes that govern the maturational process that trigger schizophrenia
- Genetic influences supported in twin studies

Question 3

Season of Birth Effect

Answer 3

A disproportionate number of schizophrenic patients are born in winter month suggesting relationship to exposure to viral infections

Question 4

Brain Chemistry

Answer 4

• Schizophrenia may result from too much dopamine activity, loss of GABA and reductions in key enzymes for glutamate biosynthesis
• Neuroimaging shows anatomical differences in brains of those with schizophrenia

Question 5

Psychodynamic

Answer 5

• Although schizophrenia has a biological basis, many symptoms represent underlying anxiety
• Anxiety is a signal to the ego that there is a threat (ex. self esteem, competence, loss of love, loss of object, loss of self)
• Symptoms can be seen as a defense against that threat

Question 6

Psychodynamic Ego Functions

Answer 6

Perceptions, memory, and thoughts - constant intrusion, repression is unsuccessful, senses are no longer autonomous