Genetic Explanations of Schizophrenia

The idea that a person's genetic makeup can contribute to their predisposition to develop schizophrenia. This means that while genes don't directly cause schizophrenia, they can increase the likelihood of developing it.

Studies that examine the prevalence of schizophrenia among individuals with different degrees of genetic relatedness to someone diagnosed with the disorder.

Studies that investigate the concordance rate (the percentage of twins both having the disorder) of schizophrenia in monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins.

Studies that analyze the incidence of schizophrenia in adopted individuals compared to their biological and adoptive families.

A method used to identify specific genes associated with schizophrenia by examining patterns of inheritance of genetic markers within families.

A field of research that explores the role of specific genes and their protein products in the development of schizophrenia.

The theory that schizophrenia is caused by a combination of multiple genes, not just a single gene mutation.

Errors in DNA replication that may contribute to schizophrenia. These errors can lead to extra copies or deletions of genes.

The hypothesis that schizophrenia is caused by an excess of dopamine in the brain.

A type of neurotransmitter that enables communication between neurons, primarily involved in reward, motivation, and movement.

The space between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released and received.

The genetic explanation of Schizophrenia that suggests that a deletion of the COMT gene increases the risk of developing the disorder.

The genetic explanation of Schizophrenia that proposes that variations in the DISC1 gene, contributing to GABA regulation, increase susceptibility to the disorder.

The ability to understand and interpret the mental states, intentions, and emotions of others.

A cognitive error in which individuals with Schizophrenia struggle to distinguish their internal thoughts from external stimuli, leading to auditory hallucinations.

An impairment in Theory of Mind in individuals with schizophrenia, which may contribute to persecutory delusions and paranoia.

A cognitive error where individuals with Schizophrenia may have faulty thinking patterns and biases, contributing to delusions and other symptoms.

A type of drug that increases the production and availability of dopamine in the brain.

A class of medications used to treat schizophrenia, often targeting and blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.

A neurological disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, and slow movement, often caused by a deficiency in dopamine.

A technique used to image brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

A brain region involved in processing rewards, motivation, and movement, often implicated in positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

A brain region involved in emotion and memory, often implicated in positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

CBT helps clients develop coping skills to manage stress and identify early signs of relapse.

Part of CBT involves educating clients and families about schizophrenia, helping them differentiate between real and imagined experiences like auditory hallucinations.

CBT helps clients identify stressors, strengthen their sense of self, and cope with stigma associated with the diagnosis.

CBT provides support to help clients reconnect with their interests, hobbies, and social activities, gradually bringing them back to a fulfilling life.

A research study that compared the effectiveness of CBT with a befriending intervention for schizophrenia.

Participants in the Sensky et al. (2000) study were randomly assigned to either a CBT group or a befriending group, helping to ensure a fair comparison.

The study measured symptoms using standardized scales both before, during, and after the intervention, allowing researchers to assess the effectiveness of each treatment.

The study found that while both CBT and befriending interventions showed improvements in symptoms, CBT maintained these improvements for longer, even after the intervention ended.

Individuals with schizophrenia form rigid beliefs based on insufficient evidence, failing to update them with contradictory information. They resist contradictory information, clinging to their delusions.

The cognitive explanation emphasizes inaccurate information processing and flawed thinking. Individuals with schizophrenia have difficulty interpreting the world around them due to distorted cognitive processes.

The cognitive explanation is criticized for reductionism, suggesting the complexity of schizophrenia can be explained solely by faulty thinking, neglecting other factors like biology.

The cognitive explanation acknowledges individual differences. Individuals with schizophrenia may experience different levels of cognitive impairment, influencing their symptoms and responses to treatment.

The cognitive explanation highlights faulty information processing and illogical thinking patterns in individuals with schizophrenia.

A type of antipsychotic medication, typically used to treat schizophrenia, that blocks dopamine receptors in the brain, reducing the symptom of delusional thinking.

A type of antipsychotic medication, typically used to treat schizophrenia, that blocks dopamine and serotonin receptors, reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia. They have fewer side effects than typical antipsychotics

Cathy's experience illustrates the potential benefits and drawbacks of antipsychotic medication in treating schizophrenia.

Cathy experienced hallucinations (hearing voices), delusions (believing she was being followed by a celebrity), and thought disorganization (throwing a glass and walking on broken pieces).

Cathy's treatment involved various antipsychotic medications, including Haldol, lithium, Tegretol, Ativan, Halcion and Cogentin. Risperdal emerged as a more effective treatment for Cathy.

Cathy's case demonstrates the importance of addressing individual needs in medication management. This includes considering side effects and long-term impact.

The explanation of schizophrenia that focuses on the role of neurotransmitters, brain structure, and genetic factors in its development. This explanation is concerned with understanding the biological underpinnings of the disorder.

Medications used to reduce the severity of psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, in individuals with schizophrenia. They are a cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment.

A type of antipsychotic medication that targets dopamine and serotonin receptors, resulting in a broader range of effects compared to typical antipsychotics. These are often preferred due to fewer side effects.

A complex mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thinking, perception, emotion, and behavior. Key symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and social withdrawal.

Typical antipsychotics have severe side effects mimicking neurological diseases like Parkinson's, dystonia, dyskinesia, and akathisia.

Schizophrenia patients treated with antipsychotics who show 50% major improvement and 30-40% minor improvement.

Schizophrenia patients who show no improvement despite taking antipsychotics.

Patients stop taking their prescribed antipsychotics.

A return of symptoms after a period of improvement.

Periods when a patient is not experiencing symptoms despite a diagnosis.

A type of talking therapy focusing on challenging negative thoughts and beliefs contributing to problematic behaviors.

Building a strong bond between the therapist and the client based on trust and rapport.

A treatment approach that uses brief electric pulses to induce a seizure, believed to be therapeutic.

Targeting the non-dominant hemisphere of the brain during ECT to minimize the risk of memory loss.

ECT can cause temporary memory loss, and in rare cases, more serious neurological damage or death.

ECT is a controversial treatment as its effectiveness compared to other therapies is unclear.

The electric shock in ECT may affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain.

ECT may be effective during acute episodes of schizophrenia where quick relief from severe symptoms is needed.