Biological explanations of schizophrenia

• What are the three main sources of evidence for genes?

  Family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies
• How do family studies contribute to understanding schizophrenia?


  They examine the proportion of relatives sharing the disorder to assess heritability
• What does a 50% chance of developing schizophrenia in identical twins suggest?

  It indicates a strong genetic component to the disorder
• Why are adoption studies important in genetic research?

  They help separate genetic and environmental contributions to a disorder
• What is the chance of a child developing schizophrenia if a parent has the disorder?

  Approximately 13%
• What does the relative risk in schizophrenia indicate?


  • Higher risk for relatives of individuals with schizophrenia
  • Closer family relationships increase the probability
  • Example: 50% chance for identical twins
• What methodological strengths are suggested by family studies?


  They provide insights into genetic liability through familial patterns
• What did Gottesman et al. (2000) find regarding mothers with schizophrenia?


  11.7% of their biological children were also diagnosed with schizophrenia
• What is a limitation of twin studies mentioned in the text?


  They may not account for equal environmental influences
• What did Tienari et al. (2000) conclude about adopted children of mothers with schizophrenia?


  They found an increased risk of schizophrenia, influenced by the adoptive environment
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of genetic research in schizophrenia?


  Strengths:

  • Provides evidence for genetic predisposition
  • Highlights familial patterns of disorder

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Reductionist approach neglecting environmental factors
  • Ethical concerns in experimental designs
  • Small sample sizes may limit reliability
• What does the dopamine hypothesis suggest about schizophrenia?


  It proposes that excess dopamine activity contributes to positive symptoms
• What is the role of other neurotransmitters in schizophrenia according to recent research?


  Other neurotransmitters like glutamate, serotonin, and GABA may also play significant roles
• How do antipsychotic medications support the dopamine hypothesis?


  They block dopamine receptors and reduce positive symptoms of schizophrenia
• What are the side effects of conventional antipsychotics?


  Weight gain, drowsiness, and tardive dyskinesia
• How do atypical antipsychotics differ from conventional antipsychotics?

  Atypical antipsychotics affect multiple neurotransmitters and have fewer side effects
• What does the revised dopamine hypothesis emphasize?


  It highlights the interaction of dopamine with other neurotransmitters across multiple brain regions
• What are the implications of the revised dopamine hypothesis for schizophrenia research?


  • Emphasizes a holistic approach
  • Considers multiple interacting factors
  • Calls for integrative research on neurotransmitters and brain structures