Schizophrenia is a chronic, recurring psychotic illness that usually begins in early adult life and can progress in one’s lifetime. The known characteristics of this disorder include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thoughts, and paranoia (Liu et al., 2021). The patient, in our case, has been having both auditory and visual hallucinations, as the boyfriend reports that she has been hearing voices and seeing things that are not there.
Again, during the conversation, she tilts her head as if she is listening to someone. Besides that, the patient also has persecutory delusions since she believes that there are people who want to harm her. In addition, the patient also has paranoia as the boyfriend relates episodes of unexpected rage and crying, as well as a general change in behavior. During the interview, her conversation is disjointed, suggesting that she has disorganized thoughts.
Attachment of Genetics to Schizophrenia
According to a study by Greenwood et al. (2019), schizophrenia has a prevalence of approximately 1% and a heritability of 80%. Heritability of eleven neurophysiological and neurocognitive endophenotypes that are related to key domains such as learning, executive function, social cognition, and complex cognition has been reported by the Consortium on the Genetics of Schizophrenia.
The endophenotypes are intrinsic to the clinical presentation of schizophrenia. Genes related to the glutamate and neuregulin signaling pathways have been implicated in this condition. These genes can therefore be passed to the offspring. This explains why those with a family history of schizophrenia are at increased risk of developing the condition. Our patient has a first cousin with mental problems.
Role of Neurotransmitters In The Development of Schizophrenia
A neurotransmitter is a substance that is produced at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of an impulse and through the junction or synapse, it transfers the impulse to another nerve fiber. Neurotransmitters play a vital role in the development of schizophrenia. Some of the implicated ones include dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate. They transmit nerve signals in the brain that control various emotions.
Interference with every neurotransmitter, therefore, triggers a different symptom of schizophrenia as it acts in a different part of the brain (Bansal & Chatterjee, 2021). Dopamine, for example, controls one’s thinking, actions, and movement. Interference with this neurotransmitter will lead to schizophrenia symptoms. It is the most implicated neurotransmitter in schizophrenia.
Structural Abnormalities Seen in People With Schizophrenia
People with schizophrenia have reductions in cerebral volume. The reduction is bilateral and widespread. The reductions are largely seen in the frontotemporal areas, the medial brain structures, and the lateral occipital cortex. In addition, they also show cortical thinning in the parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. Gyrification studies have also shown a reduced gyrification index in the temporal, frontal, and parietal lobes. Gyrification refers to the amount of cortex buried within the sulcal folds compared to the amount of cortex visible in the circular regions of interest (Madre et al., 2020). Besides that, the brain surface area is reduced as well.
Genetics In The Development of Bipolar 2 Disorders
This condition is characterized by at least one hypomanic and one major depressive episode. The heritability of this condition is estimated at 85%. Studies have shown that bipolar type 2 has a closer genetic association with major depressive disorder. Genetic factors strongly influence the development of his condition. However, relatives of those with bipolar type 2 may not show any affective disorder. Mutations of the GOLBB1 gene are what is responsible for the development of this condition (Liu et al., 2022).
References
Bansal, V., & Chatterjee, I. (2021). View of Role of neurotransmitters in schizophrenia: a comprehensive study. Journalskuwait.org. https://journalskuwait.org/kjs/index.php/KJS/article/view/9264/447
Greenwood, T. A., Lazzeroni, L. C., Maihofer, A. X., Swerdlow, N. R., Calkins, M. E., Freedman, R., Green, M. F., Light, G. A., Nievergelt, C. M., Nuechterlein, K. H., Radant, A. D., Siever, L. J., Silverman, J. M., Stone, W. S., Sugar, C. A., Tsuang, D. W.,
Struggling with online classes or exams? Get expert help to ace your coursework, assignments, and tests stress-free!