2022-2024 Year 13 A-Level Psychology - Schizophrenia: Biological Explanations of Schizophrenia - Genetics/Neural
This flashcard set covers the biological explanations of schizophrenia, focusing on genetics and neural factors. It explains that schizophrenia is believed to be caused by physical processes in the body, particularly genetic inheritance. The genetic explanation suggests that SZ is hereditary, meaning it can be passed down through familial genes.
What does the biological explanation assume about SZ?
it is caused by physical factors of the body
Key Terms
What does the biological explanation assume about SZ?
it is caused by physical factors of the body
How does the genetic explanation explain sz?
SZ is hereditary and is passed through genes
What are our genes?
genetic material that make up who we are
What is meant by genetic predisposition?
based on our genetic material, the likelihood of developing a disorder
What is the term used to describe the likelihood of developing a disorder from our genes?
genetic predisposition
If we have a genetic disposition to Sz what does that mean?
we are more likely to develop Sz
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What does the biological explanation assume about SZ? | it is caused by physical factors of the body |
How does the genetic explanation explain sz? | SZ is hereditary and is passed through genes |
What are our genes? | genetic material that make up who we are |
What is meant by genetic predisposition? | based on our genetic material, the likelihood of developing a disorder |
What is the term used to describe the likelihood of developing a disorder from our genes? | genetic predisposition |
If we have a genetic disposition to Sz what does that mean? | we are more likely to develop Sz |
Sz is described as polygenic what does this mean? | Polygenic: multiple genes involved in the development of a disorder |
Sz is polygenic meaning that there are multiple genes involved in the development of Sz, What do we call these genes | Maladaptive Candidate genes |
give an example of a maladaptive candidate gene involved in Sz | PCM1 |
if Sz is polygenic, what does that mean for an individuals vulnerability? | it increases and individuals vulnerability |
Why does polygenic mean that an individuals vulnerability is increased? | The more maladaptive genes an individual |
What have studies shown about the genetic variations for Sz? | there are 108 separate genetic variations |
What is meant by a concordance rate? | it is the probability rate |
What was the concordance rate found by Gottesman in MZ and DZ twins? | Mz: 48% |
What does the differences between the Mz and DZ concordance rate show us about the genetic link in SZ? | Closer the genetic link, the higher the probability |
What is meant by an MZ twin? | monozygotic: they share 100% of their genetic information |
What is meant by an DZ twin? | Dizygotic: they share 50% of their genetic information |
What is meant by neural correlates? | Abnormalities in the structure and function of the brain |
What are abnormalities in structure and brain function also refered to as? | neural correlates |
How are neural correlates identified? | through brain scans |
How what abnormality in the structure of the brain associated with SZ? | Enlarged ventricles |
What is an enlarged ventricle? | fluid filled spaces in your brain |
In a meta analysis by Raz and Raz, What did they find in individuals with SZ in their brain | those with SZ had enlarged ventricles compared to the control group |
How are enlarged ventricles associated with SZ? | they are associated with damage to central brain areas and the pre frontal cortex |
If enlarged ventricles are damaging the central areas of the brain and the pre frontal cortex, what symptoms does this lead to in SZ? | Negative symptoms such as avolition |
What is the dopamine hypothesis? | The idea that neurotransmitters work differently in those with SZ |
What is a neurotransmitter? | a chemical messenger in the brain |
How is dopamine involved in SZ? | either too much/too little dopamine activity in the brain |
What are the receptors in the brain called that process dopamine? | D2 receptors |
D2 receptors process what neurotransmitter? | dopamine |
What is meant by HYPERdopaminergia? | increase in dopamine activity |
What is meant by HYPOdopaminergia? | decrease in dopamine activity |
What is the term for increased dopamine activity | Hyperdopaminergia |
What is the term for decreased dopamine activity | Hypodopaminergia |
What happens when there is increased dopamine activity in the subcortex of the brain? | High dopamine activity in central areas such as Broca's is associated with auditory hallucinations |
Explain auditory halluncinations using the dopamine hypothesis | High dopamine activity in central areas of the brain such as Broca's areas |
What happens when there is decreased dopamine activity in the cortex? | low dopamine activity in the prefrontal cortex is associated with avolition |
Explain avolition using the dopamine hypothesis | low dopamine activity in the prefrontal cortex is associated with avolition |
What is the term for high dopamine activity in the subcortex? | Subcortical hyperdopaminergia |
What is the term for low dopamine activity in the cortex | Cortical hypodopaminergia |