The genetic explanation

• Outline the genetic explanation for schizophrenia. 


  The genetic explanation proposes that schizophrenia is inherited and therefore runs in families.

  E.g. MZ twins have a concordance rate of 48% for schizophrenia. Meanwhile, DZ twins have a concordance rate of 17% for schizophrenia.

  These figures, when compared to the 1% risk of schizophrenia in the general population, suggests that the more genetics you share with someone who has schizophrenia, they more likely you are to develop it
• Evaluate the genetic explanation for schizophrenia.


  MZ twins may have higher concordance rates because they are always of the same sex and look more alike than DZ twins and so they are likely to share more similar experiences (e.g. receive the same level of criticism and control).

  This could explain why DZ twins have higher concordance rates than typical siblings despite sharing the same amount of genes (50%). This is a limitation because it suggests there might be an environmental rather than genetic cause for schizophrenia.
• Evaluate the genetic explanation for schizophrenia.

  Adoption studies have found that children of people with schizophrenia are at an increased risk of schizophrenia even if they are adopted into a family with no history of schizophrenia. This is a strength as it suggests that genetics, rather than environment, leads to schizophrenia. Therefore adds credibility.
• Evaluate the genetic explanation for schizophrenia.

  Too biologically deterministic.

  It proposes that schizophrenia is determined by genetics which are out of the individual’s control, so can result in feelings of hopelessness.

  It can worsen their symptoms and lead to additional mental health difficulties such as depression.

  It can also lead to blaming within families whereby relatives may be blamed for passing on candidate genes. This can lead to hostility within families that can worsen schizophrenic symptoms.
• Evaluate the genetic explanation for schizophrenia.


  Too biologically reductionist.

  It explains the complex disorder of schizophrenia by reducing it down to genetics. This is a limitation because it fails to consider the impact of additional factors in the development of schizophrenia. Psychologists now use the diathesis-stress model which proposes that schizophrenia can only develop if you have a combination of factors (e.g. a vulnerability such as genetic predisposition and a stressor such as family dysfunction).