evaluating structural abnormalities

• SCIENTIFIC / RESEARCH EVIDENCE

  Torrey (02) CAT - on average - ventricles of person with SZ = 15% bigger than normal > clear diff in v size } other studies found the same - consistent

  such factors - objectively measured and examined in controlled conditions using specialised B scan equipment } R - high int val and easier to repeat

  • clearly measure and observe any structural damages to B in relation to disorders (SZ) and compare to normal
• CAN'T ESTABLISH CAUSE + EFFECT

  ev indicates - enlarged ventricles - implicated > don't tell us whether it's the actual cause

  not possible to establish whether B SA cause disorder / having SZ alters / damages B structure
• CAN't ESTABLISH CAUSE + EFFECT

  > some ev - AP cause problems with B structure

  } Lyon et al (81) - post mortem on SZ who took meds + comp to those - didn't

  issue with studying SZ retrospectively - once diagnosed + given meds prior to investigating reasons for SZ

  AP - reduced B density , B - vary in size / weight > not ideal ventricle size

  sug - having SZ > damage to B structure overtime rather than B abnormality being the cause of illness
• SUPPORTING EVIDENCE = INCONSISTENT

  some studies - clearly show discrepancy in v size between SZ and non SZ

  H - other studies > SZ B v > no larger than control

  therefore not reliable explanation
• OTHER CONTRADICTORY POINTS

  • linked to other disorders = bipolar and dementia
  • some very healthy people have large ventricles with no symptoms of SZ
  • restricted to negative symptoms > doesn't explain positive