Epigenic factors play an important role in schizophrenia. In genetically vulnerable people, environmental factors may increase the risk and trigger schizophrenia. Which of the following statements is true?

Appeared in: AIIMS Jodhpur SNO-2023

Explanation

This statement correctly identifies childhood trauma (including abuse and the stress of poverty) as a significant environmental trigger for schizophrenia.
It aligns with the Stress-Diathesis model, which posits that a genetic predisposition (diathesis) requires an environmental stressor (like trauma) to manifest as the disorder.
Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, are the biological mechanisms that can 'turn on' risk genes in response to severe or chronic stress, linking the environmental experience to the genetic vulnerability.
Research confirms that adverse childhood experiences are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing psychosis later in life.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: This statement is the opposite of the truth. Social isolation and withdrawal are well-established risk factors and symptoms of schizophrenia.
Option B: This statement is false. Poverty and low socioeconomic status are consistently linked to a higher risk of schizophrenia.
Option D: This statement is false. The risk for schizophrenia is higher in urban environments, not rural ones.

Related Visual

No visual required for this question type.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Environmental and epigenetic risk factors for schizophrenia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must perform comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify individuals at high risk, considering both family history (genetics) and exposure to environmental stressors (trauma, poverty, social isolation).
Early identification and intervention for at-risk youth are critical. This includes promoting resilient and supportive environments, teaching coping skills, and facilitating access to mental health services to mitigate the impact of stressors.
Patient education should include information about how stress management and a strong support system can help manage the illness and reduce the risk of relapse.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question: the interplay between genetics (epigenetics) and environmental factors in causing schizophrenia.
The question asks you to identify the 'true' statement among the options.
Evaluate each option against your knowledge of schizophrenia risk factors.
Recall that social isolation, not companionship, is a risk factor. This eliminates option A.
Recall that poverty and socioeconomic stress are known risk factors. This eliminates option B.
Recall that urban living (urbanicity), not rural living, is a risk factor. This eliminates option D.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Environmental and epigenetic risk factors for schizophrenia
Stem keywords: Epigenic factors, schizophrenia, genetically vulnerable, environmental factors
Lead-in keywords: true

Question ID

QMeR_a47OYrqohjLmMz74K

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 4882-4884

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 1158-1160

Practise the full AIIMS Jodhpur SNO-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.

Attempt this paper Attempt in the NPrep app