Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a key factor in the biological explanation of schizophrenia?
Which of the following is a key factor in the biological explanation of schizophrenia?
Enlarged ventricles in the brain are associated with positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
Enlarged ventricles in the brain are associated with positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
False
What neurotransmitter imbalance is primarily implicated in the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
What neurotransmitter imbalance is primarily implicated in the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Dopamine
The genetic concordance rate for monozygotic twins with schizophrenia is _____ compared to dizygotic twins.
The genetic concordance rate for monozygotic twins with schizophrenia is _____ compared to dizygotic twins.
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Match the symptoms of schizophrenia with their corresponding pathways:
Match the symptoms of schizophrenia with their corresponding pathways:
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Which environmental factor can trigger genetic predispositions in schizophrenia?
Which environmental factor can trigger genetic predispositions in schizophrenia?
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The family dysfunction explanation emphasizes genetic factors as the primary cause of schizophrenia.
The family dysfunction explanation emphasizes genetic factors as the primary cause of schizophrenia.
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Name one specific gene linked to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia.
Name one specific gene linked to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia.
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Study Notes
Biological Explanation for Schizophrenia
- Schizophrenia is linked to genetic and physiological factors, including brain abnormalities and neurotransmitter imbalances.
- Genetics play a crucial role: Monozygotic twins have a 48% concordance rate compared to 17% in dizygotic twins. This signifies a strong genetic predisposition. Specific genes like COMT and DISC1 are associated with elevated risk.
Neural Correlates
- Enlarged ventricles (brain tissue loss) and reduced prefrontal cortex activity are correlated with negative symptoms, like poor decision-making.
- The dopamine hypothesis suggests overactive dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway contributes to positive symptoms (like hallucinations), while underactivity in the mesocortical pathway links to negative symptoms.
Genetics and Environmental Factors
- Environmental factors, such as prenatal infections, interact with genetic vulnerabilities.
- Drug use and stress can activate genetic predispositions, illustrating the interplay of biology and environment.
Comparison with Psychological Explanations
- Similarity: Both biological and psychological explanations acknowledge the role of environmental influences. Family dysfunction models and expressed emotion(EE) illustrate how environmental context impacts the development of symptoms.
- Difference (focus): Biological explanations center on internal mechanisms (neurotransmitters, brain structures) as primary causes of schizophrenia, while psychological explanations (like family dysfunction models) emphasize external factors (family dynamics).
- Difference (treatment implications): Biological explanations support medical interventions like antipsychotics, while psychological treatments emphasize family therapy to reduce stress and improve communication.
Conclusion
- The integrated approach, combining biological and psychological perspectives, provides a more complete understanding and effective treatment strategy for schizophrenia.
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Description
Explore the biological underpinnings of schizophrenia, including genetic, neural, and environmental factors. This quiz covers the role of neurotransmitters, brain abnormalities, and the interaction between genetics and external influences that contribute to this mental health condition.
