Genetic Explanations of Schizophrenia

What is the role of genes as an explanation of schizophrenia?

• Genes play no role in schizophrenia

• Genes predispose a person towards schizophrenia

• Genes are the sole cause of schizophrenia

• Genes have no influence on schizophrenia

Which gene is responsible for the production of an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters like dopamine?

• COMT gene

• DISC1 gene

• GABA gene

• Glutamate gene

What do family studies examine to determine the prevalence of schizophrenia?

• Environmental factors

• Concordance rates

• Genetic factors

• Family history

Which type of twins are particularly studied in genetic research due to their shared genes?

• Fraternal twins

• Identical twins

• Non-identical twins

• Siamese twins

What is the aim of adoption studies in genetic research?

• To determine the environmental influence on schizophrenia

• To eliminate genetic influence on schizophrenia

• To study the prevalence of schizophrenia in adopted children

• To study the genetic influence on schizophrenia

What is the concordance rate for severe schizophrenia in identical twins?

• 100%

• 75%

• 50%

• 24%

According to Gottesman & Shields, what is the conclusion regarding the genetic basis of schizophrenia?

• Genetics is the sole cause of schizophrenia

• Genetics predispose a person towards schizophrenia, but environmental triggers are necessary

• Genetics have no influence on schizophrenia

• Environmental factors are the sole cause of schizophrenia

What does the diathesis-stress model propose in relation to schizophrenia?

• Schizophrenia is solely caused by genetic factors

• Schizophrenia is solely caused by environmental factors

• Schizophrenia is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers

• Schizophrenia is caused by random chance

What does the Tienari et al study suggest about the genetic link to schizophrenia?

• There is no genetic link to schizophrenia

• Genetic link to schizophrenia is stronger in adopted children

• Genetic link to schizophrenia is weaker in adopted children

• Genetic link to schizophrenia is the same in adopted and non-adopted children

What is one of the shortcomings of genetic explanations of schizophrenia?

• They are highly reductionist

• They place blame on family members

• They ignore the role of genetics

• They are not supported by scientific methods