Genetic explanation for SZ- biological explanation for SZ

Created by: ella langron
Created on: 01-12-20 14:31

How can we assume that there is a genetic basis for SZ? (twin studies)

MZ twins share 100% of their DNA and have the highest concordance rates so we can assume there is a genetic basis for SZ.

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What are the concordance rates for SZ for MZ twins compared to DZ twins (according to Joseph)?

MZ twins have a concordance rate of 40.4% while DZ twins have a concordance rate of 7.4%.

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What is one of the weaknesses of using twin studies to explain the genetic basis of SZ?

It might be that MZ twins have more shared experiences that DZ twins (being treated the same, being mistaken for each other) - so the concordance rates may be more about this than their shared DNA

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What percentage of adoptees whose mother had SZ also had the disorder compared to those whose mother did not?

6.7% of adoptees were diagnosed with SZ if their mother had been diagnosed. Only 2% were diagnosed if their birth mother had not been.

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How do adoption studies show a genetic basis for schizophrenia?

They show how shared genetics can influence those who have not had the same environmental experiences as one another (unlike twin studies)

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What is an issue with using adoption studies to show a genetic basis for SZ?

Most adoptive parents are informed of the child's circumstances before adopting so this will affect how they adopt - this is a lack of control over a potential confounding variable.

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How could schizophrenia be polygenic?

A number of genes seem to contribute to the risk of developing SZ.

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How could SZ be aetiologically heterogenous?

It appears a number of factors can lead to developing the disorder.

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How does Ripke's study support the idea that SZ is polygenic.

conducted a genome-wide study and found 108 genetic variations were associated with an increased risk SZ.

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How could the idea of candidate genes being biologically reductionist be helpful?

It allows for the development of drug therapies which means there are less hospital admissions for patients.

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What might be a weakness of this approach being biologically reductionist?

It reduces people's experiences of the disorder to genes which takes away from the real life experience of living with SZ.

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What are the concordance rates for SZ for MZ twins compared to DZ twins (according to Joseph)?

Back

MZ twins have a concordance rate of 40.4% while DZ twins have a concordance rate of 7.4%.

Card 3

Front

What is one of the weaknesses of using twin studies to explain the genetic basis of SZ?

Back

Card 4

Front

What percentage of adoptees whose mother had SZ also had the disorder compared to those whose mother did not?

Back

Card 5

Front

How do adoption studies show a genetic basis for schizophrenia?

Back

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Genetic explanation for SZ- biological explanation for SZ