Schizophrenia - Unit 4

Question 0

Give three evaluation points for the biochemical explanations of schizophrenia

Answer 0

• Theory cannot explain why sufferers recover slowly when given neuroleptic drugs (antipsychotics) when the medication has an instant effect on dopamine levels
• Differences in the biochemistry of schizophrenics may be a result of the conditions rather than a cause
• Lloyd et al (1984) believed that if dopamine is a causing factor, it could be indirect because abnormal family circumstances can lead to high levels of dopamine = trigger symptoms

Question 1

What did Healy (2000) believe about pharmaceutical companies and schizophrenia

Answer 1

That they wanted the dopamine theory of schizophrenia to be promoted so they can make huge profits in making anti-psychotics
•A01 eval point

Question 3

Explain the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia

Answer 3

*Based on the findings that there is too much dopamine activity in the brain. This can be caused by oversensitive of dopamine receptors, too much dopamine in the synapse causing the neurons to fire frequently, too many dopamine receptors, abnormalities in at least two dopamine pathways

Question 4

What did snyder propose about dopamine and its link with schizophrenia?

Answer 4

*That too much dopamine is released between synapses causing the onset of schizophrenia + sufferers have a high proportion of D-2 receptors on the receiving neurone = increased dopamine binding and over firing of neurons

Question 5

What is the difference between a dopamine antagonist and a dopamine agonist?

Answer 5

• Dopamine antagonists (e.g. Chlorpromazine) are chemicals which block dopamine receptors = dopamine can’t bind an stimulate neurone
• Dopamine agonists (e.g. Amphetamines) are chemicals which can act as other neurotransmitters and stimulate a response + release of dopamine

Question 6

How do first-generation (conventional + typical) antipsychotic drugs work and what type of symptoms do they cure?

Answer 6

• Work by permanently binding to dopamine receptors in the synapses
• These reduce positive symptoms but not negative symptoms + have bad side effects such as tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable tongue and lip movement)

Question 7

Which researchers found a difference between effectiveness of drugs and a placebo in two different environmental circumstances? (Davis et al review) + what were the results?

Answer 7

• Vaughn and Leff 1976 - found relapse rates was 92% for placebo condition BUT… 53% when antipsychotics = in hostile environments
• Howevs… 12% relapse rate for medication and 15% for placebo condition when people are brought up in supportive homes (no significant difference)

Question 8

Describe the psychodynamic approach to explaining schizophrenia

Answer 8

• Mainly based on Ideas from Freud
• Sz develops from the fall back into the pre-ego stage (before it develops properally)
• This is a result from bad parenting
• Child attempts to established ego control
• Develop an unrealistic awareness of the external world

Question 9

Explain what cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) consists of

Answer 9

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