Biological explanations for schizophrenia: genetics and neural correlates, including the dopamine hypothesis
Biological explanations argue that schizophrenia has physical causes inside the body. These include inherited genes and abnormal activity of the brain chemical dopamine.
Real World
Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic that targets dopamine and serotonin receptors, was developed after researchers observed that blocking dopamine pathways reduced psychotic episodes — directly applying the dopamine hypothesis in clinical treatment.
Exam Focus
State concordance rates precisely (MZ ~48%, DZ ~17%) and note that less than 100% proves environment also plays a role.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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