The dopamine hypothesis suggests that schizophrenia is accompanied by an excessive amount of dopamine, which can lead to episodes and positive symptoms e.g delusions
1 of 9
Evaluation of the dopamine hypothesis
The dopamine hypothesis is deterministic- it states that excessive amounts of dopamine lead to schizophrenia but that is not the case for everyone, suggesting that this hypothesis doesn't see free will as accountable.
2 of 9
How are genetics and schizophrenia linked?
Twin studies have been used to support the claim that one's genetic makeup may determine if other relatives have schizophrenia. Monozygotic twins share a 48% risk rate whereas dizygotic only share 27%.
3 of 9
A weakness of twin studies (in terms of schizophrenia)
Twin studies do not take in consideration the nature vs nurture debate meaning that the biological account cant be used as a full explanation as the lifestyle hasn't been viewed as a possible factor.
4 of 9
How are neural correlates and schizophrenia linked?
Neural correlates are patterns of activity in the brain that occur with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia patients have larger ventricles in the brain than those of people who don't suffer from schizophrenia. This means that the brains of schizophrenics is lig
5 of 9
Evaluation of neural correlates
Strength- The enlarged ventricles are seen as a claim with high validity as the research is carried out by high-tech equipment which can take precise readings, suggesting that if the research was to be replicated, the results would be the same.
6 of 9
Typical antipsychotics
Typical antipsychotics reduce positive symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain. However, they seem to be blocking dopamine activity in other areas which can cause harmful side effects
7 of 9
Atypical antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotics were created to target the brain area specifically, but not any other receptors in the body. They work on negative symptoms, improving mood and reducing depression/anxiety symptoms
8 of 9
Evaluation of antipsychotics
Strength- Medication reduces positive symptoms which helps patients function more appropriately.
Weakness- Long term use can result to tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movements).
9 of 9
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Evaluation of the dopamine hypothesis
Back
The dopamine hypothesis is deterministic- it states that excessive amounts of dopamine lead to schizophrenia but that is not the case for everyone, suggesting that this hypothesis doesn't see free will as accountable.
Card 3
Front
How are genetics and schizophrenia linked?
Back
Card 4
Front
A weakness of twin studies (in terms of schizophrenia)
Back
Card 5
Front
How are neural correlates and schizophrenia linked?
Comments
No comments have yet been made