Question 1

One biological explanation for the symptoms of schizophrenia is the appearance of enlarged _________,which are fluid-filled structures that cushion and protect the brain.

Accepted Answer

The appearance of enlarged ventricles, which are fluid-filled structures that cushion and protect the brain, has been linked to schizophrenia. This enlargement may be due to a decrease in overall brain tissue volume or to an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Studies suggest that the enlargement of the ventricles may be an early sign of schizophrenia and may be associated with cognitive and functional impairments.

Question 2

Research indicates that some people's schizophrenia may result from abnormalities in the brain's receptor sites for what neurotransmitter?

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that an excess of dopamine activity is associated with the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions, while a deficiency in dopamine activity is associated with the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as apathy and withdrawal. Therefore, abnormalities in the brain's receptor sites for dopamine can contribute to the development of schizophrenia.

Question 3

Some of the symptoms of schizophrenia appear to be caused by excess _______________ activity,and too little _____________ activity.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that an overactive dopamine system and an underactive glutamate system can contribute to the development of schizophrenia symptoms. Dopamine excess is associated with positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, while glutamate deficiency is associated with negative symptoms, such as decreased emotion and motivation.

Question 4

Twin studies suggest that schizophrenia

Accepted Answer

Twin studies have shown that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of schizophrenia. It is likely that a combination of factors is involved in the development of the disorder. Additionally, while the risk of developing schizophrenia is higher in identical twins compared to non-identical twins, this does not necessarily mean that the disorder is solely caused by genetic factors.

Question 5

Janelle is a 23-year old woman who is living happily in Canada.She has a relative who recently developed the symptoms of schizophrenia.Janelle has the highest chance of developing the illness if that relative is

Accepted Answer

Identical twins share 100% of their genes, so if one twin develops schizophrenia, the other has the highest risk compared to other relatives.

Question 6

A neighbour of yours is upset that a community treatment center for mental illness is opening nearby.She is worried that the center will bring dangerous people with schizophrenia into the area.What should you tell her?

Accepted Answer

It is important to educate the neighbour that people with schizophrenia are much more likely to be victims of crimes than to commit them. It is unfair to stereotype a whole group of individuals based on their mental illness. Furthermore, community treatment centers provide much-needed resources and support for individuals with mental illness, and they can greatly benefit from the services provided.

Question 7

The schizophrenia prodrome refers to

Accepted Answer

The schizophrenia prodrome refers to a collection of mild symptoms that precede the later development of schizophrenia. These symptoms can include social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and unusual beliefs or perceptions. Identifying and treating the prodromal phase is an important focus of early intervention for schizophrenia.

Question 8

People diagnosed with schizophrenia are more likely to have been born during the winter months.One explanation for this phenomenon is that

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that pregnant women who get the flu or viral infections during their second trimester are more likely to have children who develop schizophrenia later in life. This suggests that exposure to the flu virus during development in the womb may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. Winter is typically the peak season for flu and viral infections.

Question 9

Excess dopamine activity in the brains' of individuals with schizophrenia is believed to produce ______________,but not ________________.

Accepted Answer

Excess dopamine activity in the brains' of individuals with schizophrenia is believed to produce positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, but not negative symptoms, which include a lack of emotions, motivation, and social functioning.

Question 10

Researchers have discovered that the brain volume of individuals with schizophrenia is less than normal.This decrease in brain volume is accompanied a corresponding

Accepted Answer

The decrease in brain volume in individuals with schizophrenia is accompanied by an increase in the size of the ventricles. Ventricles are fluid-filled spaces in the brain, and their enlargement is a common finding in schizophrenia. This suggests that there may be a loss of brain tissue in individuals with schizophrenia, which is represented by the increase in ventricle size.

Question 11

According to family,twin,and adoption studies,a person is at greatest risk for developing schizophrenia if he or she has a(n)

Accepted Answer

Studies have consistently shown that there is a high genetic component to schizophrenia, and individuals with an identical twin diagnosed with the disorder have the highest risk of developing schizophrenia themselves. While nonidentical twins and biological parents also have an increased risk, it is not as high as that seen in identical twins. The risk associated with having an adoptive parent diagnosed with schizophrenia is lower, suggesting that genetic factors play a greater role than environmental factors.

Question 12

When psychologists viewed home movies of infants and children who subsequently developed schizophrenia,what did they find?

Accepted Answer

When psychologists viewed home movies of infants and children who subsequently developed schizophrenia, they found unusual motor patterns such as jerky, repeated, and unnecessary arm movements.

Question 13

The ventricles,spaces in the brain that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid,are typically larger than normal in the brains of individuals suffering from

Accepted Answer

Enlarged ventricles are a common structural abnormality seen on brain scans of individuals with schizophrenia.

Question 14

According to your textbook,attempts to prevent schizophrenia from developing in high-risk populations have

Accepted Answer

Attempts to prevent schizophrenia in high-risk populations have not been effective to date. Despite ongoing research into early intervention and risk factors, there has not yet been a successful strategy for preventing the disorder from developing.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

The neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that the disorder is the result of biological and environmental factors that interact during brain development, leading to abnormalities in the structure and function of the brain. This hypothesis suggests that these abnormalities may not cause symptoms until later in life, but the process of the disorder's development begins during prenatal or early childhood development.

Quiz 15: B: Psychological Disorders