Schizophrenia Diagnostic Criteria and Relative Contributions Research

This assignment addresses the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia based on DSM-IV, including delusional beliefs, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic behavior, emotional abnormalities, work and social dysfunction, and continuous symptoms for at least six months. The assignment also explores the research on the relative contributions of genetics and environment in the development of schizophrenia. It highlights the genetic links, citing studies on family patterns, adoption, and twin studies, and the impact of environmental factors such as stressful life events, adverse socioeconomic conditions, exposure to viruses, problems during birth, and malnutrition. The assignment emphasizes that while genetics play a significant role, no single gene is solely responsible for the disorder.

Schizophrenia
Diagnostic Criteria and Relative Contributions

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Q. 1 Based on this information, discuss the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which the patient faces difficulties in performing day to
day activities (Castle & Buckley, 2015). There are three stages of this disorder, depending upon
the duration and intensity. The Stages are prodromal, active stage and residual stage. According
to DSM-IV, schizophrenia can be diagnosed with the following criteria.
1. Delusional and absurd beliefs
2. Hallucinations and inability to focus
3. Disorganized speech and irrelevant thought patterns
4. Catatonic behaviour by the patient
5. Emotional abnormalities
6. Work and social dysfunctionality
7. Continuous symptoms for at least 6 months
Q. 2 Describe the research in the text that discusses the relative contributions of genetics
and environment in the development of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia has strong links with genetics as well as environmental conditions. The research
in the text describes how genetically this disorder can be developed in a patient. If a parent has
schizophrenia, there is a 6% chance that a child will develop schizophrenia too (Miller & E.,
2011). Whereas in a twin study, there is a 48% chance that the other twin will develop the
disorder. The genetic contributions in schizophrenia development come from researches done on
family patterns, adoption and twin studies.
Stressful life events, adverse economic and social life also lead to the development of
schizophrenia. The family environment also plays an important. Other Environmental factors
that may involve are Exposure to viruses, Problems during birth, Malnutrition before birth or
Psychosocial factors. The prediction of the disorder is still not a real thing as Scientists have
confidence that it is possible that many different genes may surge the threat of schizophrenia
development, but no single gene is behind this disorder.

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References
Castle, D., & Buckley, P. (2015). Schizophrenia. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Miller, R., & E., S. (2011). Diagnosis: Schizophrenia.