Biological explanation

• Emphasises the role of inherited factors and dysfunction of brain activity
• Modern psychologists believe schizophrenia is at least partly biological
• Two biological explanations - genetic and neural correlates

  These explanations are inter-related, eg the genes of SCZ lead to biological differences such as abnormal levels of dopamine and/or abnormal structures in the brain
• Weakness - Reductionist

  Suggest schizophrenic behaviour only occurs due to biological factors, such as genes or neurotransmitters

  Disregards other factors, such as environment, therefore stating that SCZ is biologically determinist

  However, this could be a positive as it means SCZ is easier to treat, using drugs and treatments

  Overall biological explanations alone cannot be considered a complete explanation of SCZ although the success of drug treatments suggest that a large part of it is