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Tanya has been diagnosed with schizophrenia - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 1 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 1
Tanya has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. (a) Describe the symptoms of schizophrenia that Tanya may be experiencing. (b) Compare two explanations of schizophren... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Tanya has been diagnosed with schizophrenia - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 1 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe the symptoms of schizophrenia that Tanya may be experiencing.
Answer
Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by a variety of symptoms that can deeply affect an individual's perception of reality. Tanya may experience:
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Positive Symptoms: These include hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there, and delusions, which are strong beliefs that are false or exaggerated. For instance, Tanya may believe she has special powers or is being persecuted.
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Negative Symptoms: These refer to a decrease in the ability to function normally. Tanya might show a lack of emotion, withdrawal from social situations, and decreased motivation or inability to experience pleasure in daily activities.
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Cognitive Symptoms: Tanya may struggle with memory and attention issues, making it hard for her to concentrate or remember information.
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Affective Symptoms: These include mood disturbances, which can result in her experiencing severe anxiety or depression.
Step 2
Compare two explanations of schizophrenia.
Answer
There are several theories that explain the development of schizophrenia, two of which include:
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Biological Explanation: This theory posits that schizophrenia has a genetic basis and may be linked to abnormal levels of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are more likely to develop the disorder, suggesting a hereditary component.
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Psychosocial Explanation: This perspective emphasizes environmental factors and stresses, such as trauma or significant life changes, which may trigger schizophrenia in individuals with a predisposition. This theory suggests that early interactions, abuse, or neglect during childhood can significantly increase the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life.
Both explanations highlight different aspects of the disorder, where one focuses on biological factors and the other emphasizes environmental influences.