Schizophrenia: Psychology A Level
What is Schizophrenia in AQA A-Level Psychology?
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. It is classified as a psychotic disorder because individuals with schizophrenia often lose touch with reality, experiencing hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia (AO1)
Schizophrenia symptoms are categorised into positive and negative symptoms:
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Positive symptoms:
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Hallucinations – Sensory experiences without external stimuli (e.g., hearing voices).
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Delusions – Strongly held false beliefs (e.g., believing they are being persecuted).
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Disorganised speech – Incoherent, jumbled sentences.
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Disorganised or catatonic behaviour – Unpredictable or rigid movements.
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Negative symptoms:
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Avolition – Lack of motivation.
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Speech poverty (Alogia) – Reduced speech output.
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Affective flattening – Reduced emotional expression.
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Explanations of Schizophrenia (AO1)
1. Biological Explanations
Genetic Explanation
Schizophrenia has a strong genetic component. Twin studies show that concordance rates for identical twins (MZ) are around 48%, compared to 17% for non-identical twins (DZ). Family studies also indicate that schizophrenia runs in families, supporting the role of heredity in its development.
Dopamine Hypothesis
The dopamine hypothesis suggests that schizophrenia is linked to dopamine overactivity. Hyperdopaminergia (excess dopamine in the mesolimbic system) is associated with positive symptoms, whereas hypodopaminergia (low dopamine in the prefrontal cortex) is linked to negative symptoms.
Evaluation of Biological Explanations (AO3 - PBWC Format)
Point: A strength of the biological explanation is research supporting the genetic basis of schizophrenia.
Because: Gottesman (1991) found that the risk of developing schizophrenia is 48% if an identical twin has the disorder, compared to 1% in the general population.
Why: This suggests that schizophrenia has a strong hereditary component, supporting the idea that genes play a significant role.
Counterargument: However, if schizophrenia were purely genetic, concordance rates for MZ twins would be 100%, yet they are only 48%. This suggests that environmental factors must also contribute to the disorder.
2. Psychological Explanations
Family Dysfunction Theory
This explanation suggests that schizophrenia develops due to maladaptive family environments, particularly expressed emotion (EE) and double-bind communication.
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Expressed Emotion (EE): Families with high levels of criticism, hostility, and emotional over-involvement increase relapse rates in schizophrenia patients.
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Double-Bind Theory: Bateson et al. (1956) proposed that conflicting messages from parents (e.g., telling a child they are loved but showing hostility) can lead to disorganised thinking, contributing to schizophrenia.
Evaluation of Psychological Explanations (AO3 - PBWC Format)
Point: A strength of the psychological explanation is supporting research on family dysfunction.
Because: Read et al. (2005) found that 69% of female and 59% of male schizophrenia patients had experienced childhood abuse.
Why: This suggests that adverse childhood experiences may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.
Counterargument: However, family dysfunction does not explain why biological relatives of schizophrenia patients have a higher risk of developing the disorder, indicating that genetics may be a more significant factor.
Treatments for Schizophrenia (AO1 & AO3)
1. Drug Therapy
Typical Antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine): Block dopamine receptors to reduce positive symptoms. Atypical Antipsychotics (e.g., Clozapine): Affect dopamine and serotonin, reducing both positive and negative symptoms.
Evaluation (PBWC Format)
Point: Drug therapy is effective in reducing schizophrenia symptoms.
Because: Davis et al. (1980) found that antipsychotic drugs were more effective than placebos in reducing symptoms.
Why: This supports the dopamine hypothesis and suggests that schizophrenia has a biological basis.
Counterargument: However, antipsychotics have serious side effects, such as tardive dyskinesia, weight gain, and drowsiness, which can reduce adherence to treatment.
Schizophrenia A-Level Psychology 16-Mark Essay Question
Discuss the Biological Explanation of Schizophrenia (16 Marks).
AO1 (Knowledge & Understanding) - 6 Marks
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Schizophrenia has a genetic basis, as shown by twin and family studies.
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The dopamine hypothesis suggests that an excess of dopamine activity contributes to positive symptoms.
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Neuroimaging studies support the role of dopamine in schizophrenia.
AO3 (Evaluation) - 10 Marks (PBWC Format)
Point: One strength of the biological explanation is its strong empirical support.
Because: Gottesman (1991) found that MZ twins have a higher concordance rate (48%) than DZ twins (17%).
Why: This suggests a genetic basis for schizophrenia, supporting the biological explanation.
Counterargument: However, twin studies do not account for shared environmental influences, meaning other factors might contribute to schizophrenia.
Point: Another strength is the effectiveness of drug treatments based on the dopamine hypothesis.
Because: Antipsychotic medications, such as chlorpromazine, reduce dopamine activity and alleviate symptoms.
Why: This supports the idea that dopamine plays a key role in schizophrenia.
Counterargument: However, not all patients respond to dopamine-based treatments, suggesting that other neurotransmitters may be involved.
Point: One limitation of the biological explanation is that it is reductionist.
Because: It reduces schizophrenia to genetics and neurotransmitters, ignoring psychological and environmental factors such as stress, trauma, or cognitive dysfunction.
Why: This is a problem because many people with genetic predisposition never develop schizophrenia, suggesting other factors play a role.
Counterargument: However, diathesis-stress models suggest that genetics and environment interact, meaning schizophrenia may be best explained through a combination of biological and psychological influences.
Point: Another limitation is that drug treatments based on the biological explanation are not always effective.
Because: Antipsychotic medications, which target dopamine, only work for around 60% of patients, leaving a significant proportion with persistent symptoms.
Why: This suggests that other neurotransmitters, such as glutamate or serotonin, may also be involved in schizophrenia.
Counterargument: However, newer antipsychotics, such as Clozapine, target multiple neurotransmitter systems, offering more effective treatment for some patients.
Conclusion
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder influenced by both biological and psychological factors. While genetics and neurotransmitters play a key role, environmental and family dynamics also contribute. Treatments, such as antipsychotic medication and therapy, help manage symptoms but come with limitations.
By understanding these explanations and evaluations, A-Level psychology students can master the topic and apply it effectively in exams.