Which perspective offers the best explanation for schizophrenia?
a. psychodynamic
b. behaviorial
c. biopsychological
d. humanistic
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: c. biopsychological
The biopsychological perspective offers the most comprehensive and scientifically supported explanation for schizophrenia. This approach emphasizes the interplay of biological, neurological, and genetic factors in the development and manifestation of mental disorders, including schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, emotion, and behavior. Symptoms often include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, and negative symptoms such as apathy or social withdrawal. The biopsychological perspective explains these symptoms primarily through abnormalities in brain structure and function.
One key biological factor is genetics. Studies show that schizophrenia tends to run in families, and individuals with a first-degree relative (such as a parent or sibling) who has schizophrenia have a significantly higher risk of developing the disorder. Twin studies further support the role of heredity, with identical twins showing concordance rates as high as 50%.
Another major biological component involves neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly dopamine. The dopamine hypothesis suggests that overactivity of dopamine pathways in the brain contributes to the positive symptoms (like hallucinations and delusions) of schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medications that block dopamine receptors have been effective in reducing these symptoms, lending strong support to this hypothesis.
Additionally, brain imaging studies have shown that many individuals with schizophrenia exhibit structural brain abnormalities, such as enlarged ventricles, reduced gray matter, and altered activity in the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes—areas involved in cognition and perception.
While other perspectives (e.g., psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic) offer valuable insights, they lack the empirical support and comprehensive explanatory power provided by the biopsychological model. This perspective not only explains the etiology of schizophrenia but also informs effective treatment strategies, such as medication and neurobiological interventions.
Therefore, the biopsychological perspective is the most scientifically grounded and widely accepted framework for understanding and treating schizophrenia.