The Devastation Of Schizophrenia

8 Pages 1887 Words

up; dizygotic twins (fraternal twins) are those who share only half of their genetic makeup. Twin studies show that the tendency for both monozygotic twins to develop schizophrenia is between 30-50%. The tendency for dizygotic twins to develop the disorder is about 15%. The predisposition for siblings who are not twins (such as sisters of different ages) is also about 15%. A child whose parent has schizophrenia has about a 10% chance of developing the disorder (Spearing, 5).
Many studies have investigated the potential role of brain neurotransmitters and it is now believed that this may be the most probable cause of schizophrenia. A neurotransmitter is a substance that helps nerve cells in the brain to send messages to each other. Most of the current studies have focused on the neurotransmitter dopamine. The dopamine theory of schizophrenia states that schizophrenia is caused by an overactive dopamine system in the brain causing excess in the neurotransmitter. An imbalance of dopamine affects the way the brain reacts to certain stimuli such as sounds, smells and sights, and can lead to hallucinations and delusions (Carter, 135).
Many investigations of people with schizophrenia indicate certain abnormalities in brain structure. The enlargement of the fluid-filled cavities, called the ventricles, in the interior of the brain, and decreased size of certain brain regions are the two most believed theories at the moment. It should be emphasized that these abnormalities are qui...