Structual abnormalities schizophrenia

Question 1

When was this theory developed

Answer 1

When brain scanning technology was invented

Question 2

What are the 4 points

Answer 2

• Ventricles
• Cortical atrophy
• Reversed cerebral asymmetry
• Season of birth

Question 3

Points for ventricles

Answer 3

• Ventricles are fluid filled cavities

- Schizophrenics have larger lateral ventricles

Question 4

Points for cortical atrophy

Answer 4

• Cortical atrophy means loss of neurones in the cerebral cortex
• Cortical atrophy leads to loss of cognitive function
• Cortical atrophy results in widening of sulci in cerebral cortex
• Widening of sulci characterises 20-35% of those with chronic schizophrenia

Question 5

Points for reversed cerebral asymmetry

Answer 5

• In most individuals left hemisphere is larger but in those with schizophrenia the right is larger
• This could explain alogia as left side is responsible for language

Question 6

Points for season of birth

Answer 6

• Children born in winter and early spring have 10% higher incidence of schizophrenia
• may be due to lack of sunlight causing lack of vitamin D which affects brain devlopment