Biological Explanation of Abnormality

Biological Explanation of Abnormality

Genetics:Holland:They Studied 25 pairs of identical twins and 20 pairs of non-identical twins where at least one had anorexia. 56% of identical twins suffered from anorexia whereas 5% of non-identical twins suffered.This study proves that genetics plays a role in anorexia. However if genetics had a complete role then 100% of the identical twins would have anorexia. These results might also be due to the upbringing of the same environment, meaning these results may be due to the environment, not genetics.

Infection:Clive Wearing:The Brit suffered from a rare form of herpes which has damaged parts of his brain causing severe memory problems. He can no longer make memories or recall his children at all.This shows how infection can cause mental issues.

Brain Injury:Phineas Gage:A hard working, reliable rail line worker had a spear shoot through his head. He later suffered brain trauma and had reports of a complete personality change where by he became unreliable and aggressive.This shows that brain injury can completely change a personality.

Neurotransmitters:Chemical messengers in the brain that trigger psychological responses. It has been proven that low serotonin levels can result in depression and low levels of dopamine can result in schizophrenia.However it is argued that the illness may cause the low neurotransmitter levels. We assume that the low levels cause the illness but this may no be the case. This theory also ignores any environmental factor that may come into play.