Psychiatric Genetics and Environmental Factors in Psychotic Disorders

Flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture on psychiatric genetics and environmental factors in psychotic disorders.

Polygenic risk score

A measure that estimates the likelihood of an individual developing a certain trait or disease based on the cumulative effect of multiple genetic variants.

Self-medication hypothesis

The theory that individuals may use substances to alleviate negative emotional states or psychological distress.

Cannabis

A plant whose leaves and flowers contain psychoactive properties, often associated with recreational and medicinal use.

Khat

A flowering plant native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, whose leaves contain stimulant compounds similar to amphetamines.

Bidirectional causation

A relationship where two factors influence each other, such as cannabis use and the development of psychosis.

Trauma hypothesis

The idea that traumatic experiences increase the risk of developing psychotic symptoms or disorders.

Sensitization model

A framework suggesting that repeated exposure to a substance or stress can lead to an increased response to that substance or stress, potentially resulting in psychotic symptoms.