biological explanations for schizophrenia

• What evidence supports the genetic basis of schizophrenia?

  Family studies show higher prevalence in first-degree relatives. Twin studies reveal a 48% concordance rate in monozygotic twins versus 17% in dizygotic twins. Candidate genes like COMT, DISC1, and G72 are linked to increased risk.
• What is the original dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia?

  Suggests schizophrenia results from excess dopamine activity in certain brain areas, leading to symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Based on the efficacy of antipsychotic drugs that block dopamine receptors.
• What updates have been made to the dopamine hypothesis?

  focuses on abnormal dopamine systems in specific brain regions, like increased dopamine receptors in the striatum and decreased in the prefrontal cortex. It explains a wider range of symptoms and treatment responses.
• What structural abnormalities are associated with schizophrenia?

  Enlarged ventricles, reduced gray matter volume, especially in the prefrontal cortex, temporal lobes, and hippocampus. These abnormalities are often more pronounced in chronic cases.
• What are the functional abnormalities found in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia?

  Hypofrontality (reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex), disrupted connectivity between brain regions, and abnormal brain activation patterns during cognitive tasks.
• How do prenatal factors influence the risk of developing schizophrenia?

  Prenatal exposure to viral infections (e.g., influenza), maternal malnutrition, and stress increase the risk. These factors can disrupt fetal brain development, leading to later vulnerability.
• Which genetic mutations are associated with schizophrenia?

  Mutations in the COMT gene and others affecting neurotransmitter systems.
• What is a criticism of biological explanations for schizophrenia?

  • They are often reductionist.
• Why are biological explanations for schizophrenia considered reductionist?

  • They focus solely on biological factors.
  • They ignore psychological, social, and environmental influences.
• What factors can contribute to the development of schizophrenia besides biological ones?

  • Childhood trauma
  • Socioeconomic status
  • Family dynamics
• What did Varese et al. (2012) find regarding childhood trauma and schizophrenia?

  • Individuals with childhood trauma were 2.8 times more likely to develop psychosis.
• How do biological explanations oversimplify schizophrenia?

  • They ignore cognitive processes and social stressors.
  • They limit understanding and treatment effectiveness.
• What approach can provide a more holistic understanding of schizophrenia?

  • An interactionist approach considering multiple factors.
• What is a characteristic of biological explanations for schizophrenia?

  • They can be seen as deterministic.
• What did Gottesman and Shields (1982) find about schizophrenia in twins?

  • Concordance rate is 48% in monozygotic twins.
• What do biological explanations suggest about individuals with genetic markers for schizophrenia?

  • They are inevitably going to develop schizophrenia.
• What did Tienari et al. (2004) find in their adoption study regarding schizophrenia?

  • Prevalence was 6.7% in adoptees with a biological parent with schizophrenia.
• What does the deterministic viewpoint of biological explanations overlook?

  • The role of free will and environmental factors.
• Why is it important to acknowledge both biological and environmental factors in schizophrenia?

  • It emphasizes personalized treatment plans.
• What ethical concerns arise from biological explanations of schizophrenia?

  • Potential for genetic screening and discrimination.
• What ethical issues arise from prenatal screening for schizophrenia?

  • Difficult decisions for parents and potential stigmatization.
• What are the implications of genetic screening for schizophrenia?

  • Misuse of genetic information by insurers or employers.
• What should be integrated into biological research regarding ethical concerns?

  • Policies to protect privacy and rights.
• What is a limitation of biological explanations for schizophrenia?

  • They do not provide a comprehensive understanding.
• What do biological explanations fail to account for in schizophrenia?

  • The interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors.
• What socio-environmental factors have been linked to higher rates of schizophrenia?

  • Urbanicity and social isolation.
• What do cognitive theories suggest about schizophrenia?

  • Dysfunctional thought processes contribute to symptoms.
• Why is it important to consider multiple factors in understanding schizophrenia?

  • It recognizes the complexity of the disorder.
• How can incorporating multiple perspectives improve interventions for schizophrenia?

  • It promotes holistic and individualized care.