Schizophrenia as a Biological Disorder

Schizophrenia as a Biological Disorder

As well as the biological approaches there are physiological,

psychological and environmental explanations. New theories of

schizophrenia are constantly being developed each having their own

advantages and disadvantages. How do we know however, which one is

correct?

The biological explanation suggests that schizophrenia is produced by

an unfortunate combination of genes or is due to physical problems in

the brain. Researchers favouring the biological explanation look at

genetic factors, brain structure and biochemical explanations.

Many researchers would suggest that the debate over whether

schizophrenia is passed down through genetics is no longer a matter of

controversy. The key point now, is to what extent genetic factors have

in schizophrenia, it could in fact be a combination of many points.

To begin studying schizophrenia and its biological aspect we must

first look at blood relatives. There is much evidence to suggest that

if a close relative of an individual, i.e. mother, father, brother,

has been diagnosed as schizophrenic, then the chances of this

individual also being diagnosed with schizophrenia are a lot higher

than say if your Aunty or Great grandfather was diagnosed. This is

based around a genetic influence. An individual shares 50% of their

genes with a close relative such as their mother and only 25% with

their grandmother. Therefore the closer the relative being diagnosed

with schizophrenia, the more likely they will also be diagnosed.

However, there is also debate around this point through looking at

environmental factors. An individual may share the same environment

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...s of schizophrenia may be caused by structural brain

pathology. Findings that abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex may be

a factor are especially interesting because this area is involved with

some of the intellectual symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

Interpreting the findings is problematic, however. These neurological

abnormalities do not seem to be specific to schizophrenia. They are

also found in some healthy individuals, and in persons with mood

disorders, alcohol and substance abuse, and organic impairment. It

could therefore be an un-reliable source of evidence.

In conclusion, the above evidence does suggest that schizophrenia is

hugely influenced around biology. However, I also stated the amount of

alternative approaches to schizophrenia, which may as well provide

similar strong supporting evidence.