Schizophrenia (lesson)

Students will learn to determine symptoms of schizophrenia, examine the relationships among genes, neurotransmitters, and identify relevant brain structures.

Describe how the behavior of a person with schizophrenia may differ from normal. Tell why schizophrenia is often considered the "cancer of mental illness." Explain why the identical twin of an individual with schizophrenia is more likely to develop the disorder than a fraternal twin or other sibling, but not guaranteed to develop it. Provide evidence that several neurotransmitters may be involved in producing schizophrenia. Elucidate the relationships among genes, neurotransmitters, and the appearance of schizophrenia. Identify brain structures that differ from normal in patients with recurring symptoms of schizophrenia.