Biological Measures and Research Methods

Question 1

Neuro-feedback

EEG Biofeedback

Answer 1

Patients modify OWN brainwaves

1. Connected to EEG with electrodes
2. Shown measure of brain activity
3. Patients learn how to voluntarily INCREASE or DECREASE freq. of brainwaves

Question 2

Advantages and Disadvantages of Neurofeedback

Answer 2

+ Non-invasive
+ Inexpensive
+ ONLY one that CAN be used on epileptic patients
- Sig. no not show any benefit
- Sig. no can’t achieve required level of control

Question 3

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Answer 3

1. Applies changing electromagnetic fields to induce electrical currents
2. When applied can INCREASE or DECREASE cortical excitability

Low freq. = Inhibit
High freq. = Activates

Question 4

Disadvantages of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Answer 4

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Discomfort

Question 5

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Answer 5

1. Electrodes on scalp
2. Device delivers constant current
3. Electrode can INCREASE or DECREASE neuronal excitability

Question 6

Disadvantages of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Answer 6

• Skin irritation
• Cognitive impairments
• No long term effects identified, patients need more or longer treatments

Question 7

Mantovani et al case study for TDCS

Answer 7

52 year old woman
Treatment resistant depression

Only TDCS to pre-frontal cortex = improved symptoms BUT not last

Most effective was combination of CBT and TDCS

Question 8

Deep Brain Stimulation

Answer 8

1. ‘Brain Pacemaker’ implanted
2. Internal pulse generator implanted under skin
3. These send electrical signals to the part of brain that needs to be stimulated
4. Arrives at lead (wire with electrodes in ‘to be stimulated region’)

Question 9

How does Deep Brain Stimulation treat Depression?

Answer 9

INCREASE NT release = INCREASE neuro-plastic changes = Alters action of the region

Question 10

Advantages and Disadvantages of DBS

Answer 10

+ Successful long term reduction of symptoms

• Invasive
• Expensive
• Risk of wound infection

Question 11

Electroconvulsive therapy

Answer 11

For psychiatric disorders

1. Patient anaesthetised
2. Electrodes on scalp
3. Triggers seizure

Question 12

Disadvantages of Electroconvulsive therapy

Answer 12

+/- more effective when used with antidepressants

• Brain damage
• Retrograde amnesia
• Epileptic fits can be dangerous

Question 13

What is the Biopsychosocial model?

Answer 13

Disorders caused by combination of biological, psychological and social factors.

Question 14

What is the Diathesis-stress model?

Answer 14

A predisposition to an illness

Weak predisposition = Need greater stressor

Question 15

Childhood trauma research and MHC?

Answer 15

1. Children maltreated by parents = INCREASE risk of psychotic symptoms
2. Parent with psychosis = INCREASE likelihood of maltreatment = INCREASE SUSCEPTIBILITY

Question 16

What is phenomenology of a disorder and how can it be measured?

Answer 16

How it is experienced

Interviews
+ Good for assessing quality of life
+ Detailed info
- Small samples

Question 17

How to research potential causes of a disorder?

Answer 17

Retrospective Questionnaires - question current disorder then life events
- memory bias (MHC can affect accuracy of memory)

Experimental psychopathology - can symptoms be induced? Fear around animals can be INCREASED if shown a disgusting video of them

Analogue samples - Non clinical individuals NOT over clinical threshold = factors affecting them will likely affect the clinical

Question 18

Examples of Research methods in Clinical Psychopathology

Answer 18

Genetic Association studies

Twin studies

Post mortem studies

Brain Imaging studies

Animal studies