Biological Approach Flashcards
Outline the Biological approach
the biological approach assumes that psychological abnormalities are symptoms of an underlying physical cause
What are the four assumptions of the biological approach?
BIOCHEMISTRY-neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry signals between brain cells.
Too much or Too little can result in a psychological disorder. EG low levels of serotonin is linked with depression
INFECTIONS-14% of SZ cases are thought to be linked with exposure to a VIRUS in the womb during a womans first trimester of her pregnancy
NEUROLOGY-(brain damage) if the structure or functioning is damaged, this can lead to an abnormality. brain scans have identified structural differences in sz patients to normal patients, such as enlarged ventricles
GENETICS-abnormality is thought to be caused genetically by a genetically inherited characteristic. in family studies a genetic link is found suggesting that the closer the genetic link, the higher your chances are at developing the abnormality. SZ concordance rate- MZ twins=48% DZ twins=17% as opposed to the 1% general population
Evaluation of the Biological approach
Heavily reducitonist-too simplistic, assumes that the brain is the only cause of abnormalities, ignores any environmental factors. Depression is linked with seretonin but could be triggered by an environmental factor
Drug treatment supports neurotransmitters-drugs alter the neurochemical’s in your body to help decrease the symptoms. it is proven to work, eg seretonin, low levels=depression so drugs will increase the activity
HOWEVER drugs dont always work-you cant use drugs for every disorder, eg eating disorders.
