Explain the Difference Between Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Diseases. Using One Neuropsychiatric Disorder (Schizophrenia) Discuss the Progress Made so Far in Understanding the Genetic Architecture of That Disorder

A Comparison of Biological and Psychological Explanations of Schizophrenia Both the biological and the psychological explanations of schizophrenia are supported by empirical evidence which justify their explanations. However ,within the biological explanation there is the genetic explanation which is used largely based on scientific research such as that of Gottesman’s research using meta-analysis which looked at the family (including twin) relationships and concordance rates of schizophrenia. The studies used Gottesman’s research was scientifically based and because of the large number of studies and therefore the sample used, the biological research can be credited for being representative.

Outline and evaluate one or more biological explanations of schizophrenia (8 marks AO1/16 marks AO1)

Those that are recognized increase the possibility only by extremely small quantities. Consequently, these “genome scans” are improbable to offer a whole image of a person’s danger for acquiring a mental disorder like schizophrenia. Additionally, it possibly endures more than genes to instigate the disorder (Stefansson, Ophoff, Steinberg, Andreassen, Cichon, Rujescu, & Kahn, 2009). Experts reflect communications amongst genes and the environment are essential for schizophrenia to grow. Several environmental issues might be comprised, such as revelation to viruses or malnourishment before birth, difficulties during birth, and other not yet recognized psychosocial issues.

SMAGLIK, PAUL. "Schizophrenia's Genetic Spark." Discover 38.1 (2017): 60. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 Dec. 2016.)

Genetic factors of schizophrenia can be explained using studies on twins and studies on family history. With twin studies researchers want to establish the degree of concordance. This is

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder characterized by distorted thinking, impaired emotional responses, poor interpersonal skills and a distortion of reality. It is the most common of psychotic disorders that, in most countries around the world, affects around 1 per cent of the population. In terms of explanations for the disorder, two central types of explanations arise – psychological explanations and biological explanations. Whereas psychological explanations tend to focus on cognitive, emotional and environmental factors that may cause the disorder, biological explanations tend to focus on genetic, biochemical and neuro-anatomical factors as the cause of the

Over the last few decades Schizophrenia has become embedded in mainstream vernacular as any behavior or emotional response that is out of touch with reality. However even with its popularity heightened through movies and headline news stories, schizophrenia is still one of the most enigmatic and least understood disorders of the brain. With current research focused on the role of neurobiology and functioning on a cellular level, investigative analysis has merited new innovations towards its source, however a single organic cause for the disorder still eludes scientists. Although the foundation of the affliction is still unknown, its effects are well documented and over the next few pages will show the changes in the brain as the disease

The risk is even greater for those relatives who are genetically similar to the schizophrenic. This theory poses important debates however. If schizophrenia is caused by simple genetics, identical twins should both be affected by schizophrenia if one twin has been diagnosed. It is rare to find a majority of identical twins affected. Studies have found there to be a weak genetic link to schizophrenia. A recent study of high-risk children found there to be little proof of a genetic link.

While there is no cure for schizophrenia, research is leading to new, safer treatments. Experts also are unraveling the causes of the disease by studying genetics, conducting behavioral research, and by using advanced imaging to look at the brain’s structure and function. These novel approaches hold the promise of new, more effective therapies.

It has been widely accepted that schizophrenia has a genetic component, with the relative lifetime risk of schizophrenia being reported at around 0.3-0.7% (McGath et al, 2008) although some studies have shown this to be much higher at around 3.5% (Pedersen et al, 2014). Studies have shown the risk of relatives developing schizophrenia is correlated with the percentage of shared genes (Tsuang, 2000). Twin studies have been utilised to reveal a genetic component, as monozygotic (MZ) twins share 100% of their genes, while dizygotic (DZ) share 50% of their genes, therefore a higher percentage risk of development should be found within MZ twins. Studies have indeed revealed an increased risk of developing the disorder in MZ twins (48%) than in

Academic consensus regarding the etiology of most mental disorders is often tough to achieve due to a myriad of polygenic effects and complex gene-environment interactions; however, certain disorders such as Schizophrenia pose even more difficulty. Schizophrenia is a psychiatric condition that is marked by various positive and negative symptoms that cause fluctuations in cognitive ability and impose distorted experiences onto the patient (Pinel, 2011). Positive symptoms are defined as extreme and maladaptive variations on normal functioning, which include symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations (Xavier & Vorderstrasse, 2017); conversely, negative symptoms

Schizophrenia can be passed down thru generations even though there is not a specific gene associated with the disorder. It is considered to be a combination of genes that make a person susceptible to becoming schizophrenic. This information is found mainly thought the study of twins. By having the same genes it can be viewed why genes contribute to the potential of schizophrenia. Even though genetics is a viable factor in the analysis of the cause of schizophrenia there are more supporting factors found in neurotransmitters.

Family studies indicate children who have both biological parents diagnosed with schizophrenia are 46% likely to develop the mental health disorder. Twin studies vary slightly as different findings are found, Gottesman study in 1991 proposed that identical twins have greater chances of developing schizophrenia (48%) compared with fraternal twins (17%) (Hill 2001). Lastly adoption studies have revealed when adopted individuals are raised by adoptive parents who have schizophrenia they’re at greater risk of developing the disorder (Haimowitz 2005). Although these studies have shown several incidences where genetic factors contribute to the development of schizophrenia, they don’t account 100% for schizophrenia. As they may only be triggered by environmental surroundings influencing the

It was shocked to learn that researchers have discovered genes of interest in schizophrenia patients, however, they have been unable to pinpoint the exact gene or genes that could be responsible for the development of schizophrenia. In today’s day and age, with

Conclusions / Results: Conclusions suggest that the nature vs nurture dichotomy may not be as relevant as looking at the interaction between these two forces. It was discovered that while one’s genetic heritage creates a predisposition towards schizophrenia, other factors such as the home environment, the parental environment, dietary factors and others may determine whether the disease is manifested.