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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 schizophreni... 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 characterized by a variety of symptoms that can significantly affect a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Tanya may experience the following symptoms:
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Hallucinations: This can include hearing voices that aren't there, which may lead her to believe that others are conspiring against her or communicating specific messages.
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Delusions: Tanya might hold false beliefs that are firmly held despite contradictory evidence, such as delusions of persecution or grandeur.
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Disorganized Thinking: She may struggle with organizing her thoughts, leading to incoherent speech or difficulties in concentrating, making it hard for her to follow conversations.
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Negative Symptoms: This can manifest as a loss of motivation, reduced emotional expression, or withdrawal from social interactions, impacting her ability to function in daily life.
Step 2
Compare two explanations of schizophrenia.
Answer
There are several explanations for schizophrenia, but we will focus on two prominent theories: the biological explanation and the psychosocial explanation.
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Biological Explanation: This theory posits that schizophrenia has a genetic basis, with neurochemical imbalances, particularly involving dopamine, playing a significant role. Brain imaging studies often show structural abnormalities in individuals with schizophrenia, indicating that biological factors are crucial for understanding the disorder. This explanation emphasizes the role of heredity and the physical brain in the manifestation of symptoms.
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Psychosocial Explanation: In contrast, the psychosocial approach argues that environmental factors, such as trauma or stressful life events, contribute significantly to the onset of schizophrenia. It suggests that social influences and the individual's experiences can exacerbate the underlying predispositions to the disorder. For example, a traumatic childhood can act as a trigger for symptoms later in life.
In conclusion, while the biological explanation focuses on genetic and neurochemical factors, the psychosocial perspective emphasizes the impact of environment and experiences. Both explanations provide valuable insights, but they differ in their focus on either internal or external factors contributing to schizophrenia.