Biological Theory

    Cards (24)

    • What part of the brain is involved in the limbic system?
      Hippocampus
    • What role does the hippocampus play in the brain?
      Formation of memories and emotions
    • How does the size of the hippocampus relate to schizophrenia?
      It is smaller in people with schizophrenia
    • What negative symptoms of schizophrenia may be explained by hippocampal size?
      Lack of emotion
    • What is the volume change observed in the temporal lobes of people with schizophrenia?

      Lower in volume
    • What is the significance of the temporal lobe in relation to auditory information?
      It processes auditory information
    • How does the lack of gray matter in the temporal lobe relate to hallucinations?
      It may explain auditory hallucinations
    • What does gray matter contain?
      Nerves and connections
    • What is the effect of restricted blood flow in the frontal cortex?
      Less frequent activation during tasks
    • What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in psychological functioning?
      It acts as the 'control center'
    • How might the prefrontal cortex's function explain organizational struggles in schizophrenia?
      It may lead to loss of control
    • What is a criticism of the biological theory of schizophrenia regarding nature and nurture?
      It ignores the effect of nurture
    • What does it mean that the biological theory is too deterministic?
      Behavior is solely influenced by biology
    • What is a limitation of the biological theory regarding its reductionist approach?
      It oversimplifies the causes of schizophrenia
    • What does the biological theory state about behavior determinants?
      It is determined by internal factors
    • What is a limitation of determining cause and effect in schizophrenia research?
      We only study brains post-diagnosis
    • What is a pessimistic outlook of the biological theory on schizophrenia?
      Individuals have no control over their disorder
    • What factors should be analyzed to understand schizophrenia?
      Multiple factors and their interactions
    • How might brain structure and function change in relation to schizophrenia?
      They may change after triggering events
    • What is the relationship between dopamine and hallucinations in schizophrenia?
      Too much dopamine leads to hallucinations
    • What happens to dopaminergic neurons in schizophrenia?
      They fire too easily
    • What is the role of presynaptic receptors in dopamine transmission?
      They absorb excess dopamine
    • What is the process of synaptic transmission?
      • Presynaptic vesicles release neurotransmitters
      • Neurotransmitters cross the synaptic gap
      • Bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell
      • Trigger response in the postsynaptic neuron
    • What are the criticisms of the biological theory of schizophrenia?
      • Focuses only on nature, ignoring nurture
      • Too deterministic, neglecting external factors
      • Reductionist, oversimplifying causes of disorder
      • Ignores environmental influences
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