Task 3: Brain Abnormality

Research involving MRI and CAT scan research on live patients has found the

following structural abnormalities in the schizophrenic brain.

Unusually large ventricles (fluid filled cavities) (Brown et al 1986)

Cortical abnormalities like reduced activity (red area) (Goldstein et al 1999)

25% reduction of grey matter in the frontal & temporal lobes (Kwon et al 1999)

Areas of the brain

Affected parts of the brain in a schizophrenic patient

Lack of normal asymmetry in the brains of schizophrenics Young et al (1991)

Task 3

• Make a fact list of information regarding brain abnormalities as a cause of schizophrenia.

• Use the information above to write an 2 page essay evaluating the genetic and dopamine hypothesis.

• Compare Genetic and dopamine hypothesis to the brain abnormalities. Ensure you say words such as….. “However”, “although”, “on the other hand”, “further evidence suggests” etc….