Describe and evaluate biological explanations for schizophrenia (16) ao1 = 6.
Ao3 =10
(Genes)
One explanation for schizophrenia is that it is passed on through genes. There
has been research looking for a single genetic variation that one faulty gene
could explain schiz, it appears a no. of genes are involved meaning schiz is
polygenic. The most likely genes would be those coding for neurotransmitters
including dopamine. ripke combined previous data from genome studies of
schiz, he found 108 separate genetic variations were associated w/ slightly
increased risk of schiz. Because diff studies identified diff candidate genes it
appears that schiz is aetiologically heterogeneous (diff combo of factors)
including genetic variation can lead to the condition.
One strength of the genetic explanation is there is strong evidence. Family
studies confirmed that risk of schizophrenia increases in line w/ genetic
similarity to a relative w/ the disorder. For example, Gottesman’s meta-
analysis study found as genetic similarity increases so does the probability of
sharing schiz: Aunt 2%, sibling 9%, identical twins 48%. Therefore, family
studies give support for importance of genes in schiz. Adoption studies also
show biological kids of parents w/ schiz are at a heightened risk even if they
grow up in an adoptive family. This shows some people more vulnerable to
schiz as a result of their genetic makeup.
However one imitation of genetic explanation is there is clear evidence
showing environmental factors also increase risk of developing schiz. Biological
risks include birth complications whilst psychological risks include childhood
trauma which leaves people more vulnerable to mental health problems which
has a link w/ schiz. Nina’s study showed 67% of people w/ schiz reported at
least one childhood trauma. This means genetic factors alone cannot provide a
complete explanation for schiz.
(Neural correlate – dopamine)
The dopamine hypothesis is another biological explanation for schizophrenia.
According to the original dopamine hypothesis, excess levels of dopamine in
the brain (subcortex) could cause the symptoms of schizophrenia. The updated
version of the dopamine hypothesis included hypodopaminergia, where low
levels of dopamine in the brain’s cortex are responsible for some negative
symptoms of schizophrenia. E.g. in prefrontal cortex (thinking) could explain
Ao3 =10
(Genes)
One explanation for schizophrenia is that it is passed on through genes. There
has been research looking for a single genetic variation that one faulty gene
could explain schiz, it appears a no. of genes are involved meaning schiz is
polygenic. The most likely genes would be those coding for neurotransmitters
including dopamine. ripke combined previous data from genome studies of
schiz, he found 108 separate genetic variations were associated w/ slightly
increased risk of schiz. Because diff studies identified diff candidate genes it
appears that schiz is aetiologically heterogeneous (diff combo of factors)
including genetic variation can lead to the condition.
One strength of the genetic explanation is there is strong evidence. Family
studies confirmed that risk of schizophrenia increases in line w/ genetic
similarity to a relative w/ the disorder. For example, Gottesman’s meta-
analysis study found as genetic similarity increases so does the probability of
sharing schiz: Aunt 2%, sibling 9%, identical twins 48%. Therefore, family
studies give support for importance of genes in schiz. Adoption studies also
show biological kids of parents w/ schiz are at a heightened risk even if they
grow up in an adoptive family. This shows some people more vulnerable to
schiz as a result of their genetic makeup.
However one imitation of genetic explanation is there is clear evidence
showing environmental factors also increase risk of developing schiz. Biological
risks include birth complications whilst psychological risks include childhood
trauma which leaves people more vulnerable to mental health problems which
has a link w/ schiz. Nina’s study showed 67% of people w/ schiz reported at
least one childhood trauma. This means genetic factors alone cannot provide a
complete explanation for schiz.
(Neural correlate – dopamine)
The dopamine hypothesis is another biological explanation for schizophrenia.
According to the original dopamine hypothesis, excess levels of dopamine in
the brain (subcortex) could cause the symptoms of schizophrenia. The updated
version of the dopamine hypothesis included hypodopaminergia, where low
levels of dopamine in the brain’s cortex are responsible for some negative
symptoms of schizophrenia. E.g. in prefrontal cortex (thinking) could explain
