biological model

Question 1

key features

Answer 1

Sees mental disorders as caused by abnormal processes such as genetic and biomedical factors- argues abnormality is a disease.
It’s believed that all mental disorders will have an underlying cause as they are all related to the physical structure of the brain.

Question 2

how does it approach abnormality

Answer 2

the same way that you approach physical illness-

• classify the disorder as a recognized symptom by identifying the signs and symptoms.
• identify the underlying cause.
• Prescribe an appropriate treatment/therapy.

Question 3

assumptions

Answer 3

BING

• BRAIN DAMAGE- once this happens there is little that can be done to stop it.
• INFECTION- Can give rise to mental illness, e.g flu can cause schizophrenia
• NEUROANATOMY- Neurotransmitters are out of balance in nervous systems of people with psychological disorders.
• GENES- Some people may be at genetic risk of developing a mental disorder- to investigate this researchers carry out family, twin and adoption studies.

Question 4

strengths

Answer 4

Scientific- A lot of research has been carried out that has increased our understanding of it- McGriffin et al on concordance rates in MZ and DZ twins. N
No blame- Implies the person is not responsible for their abnormality so they won’t punish themselves.

Question 5

weaknesses

Answer 5

Passive- encourages people to be passive patients and hand over their recovery to professionals, Reductionist- It’s more lively that disorders are caused by leaner patterns of behaviour, experiences and biological factors. suggesting there’s always a cure can lead to incorrect diagnosis and wrong treatment- can’t explain phobias. Stigma- the assumption mentally ill people are different can lead to labelling and prejudice.

Question 6

treatments- drugs

Answer 6

Anti depressant- full title: Monoamine-oxidise inhibitors, they influence the serotonin by increasing their availability by blocking the enzymes action that breaks them down- improves mood.
Anti psychotic drugs- phenothiazine’s treat schizophrenia by reducing dopamine by blocking the D2 receptor through it- this helps reduce hallucinations and delusions.

Question 7

drugs evaluation

Answer 7

:(it could be a placebo effect, side effects- kidney poisoning, brain haemorrhage, they treat the symptoms and not the cause- Ethics- right to refuse?
:)effective in relieving mental disorder symptoms

Question 8

treatments- ect

Answer 8

Patient lies on a bed and is given an aesthetic and a muscle relaxant. A current is passed through their brain (the non-dominant hemisphere) through the use of electrodes- it’s unclear why it works. It normally treats schizophrenia and depression.

Question 9

ect johnstone

Answer 9

Found in 1999 over 11,000 patients in England and wales were given ETC- 2/3 were women

Question 10

ect- strengths

Answer 10

Efficiency- quick compared to drugs
Ethics- Mental health act states ECT is only prohibited if the patient is able to accept it and it can’t be treated on 16 and 17 year olds.

Question 11

ect- weaknesses

Answer 11

It’s unclear how it works, It has side effects-bone fractures and memory loss, Ethics- it was used to punish and control patients in mental hospitals.

Question 12

theories on why ECT works

Answer 12

1. The shock literally shocks the person out of their illness as it is regarded as a punishment for the inappropriate behaviour.
2. Biochemical changes take place in the brain following the shocks which stimulate particular neurotransmitters.
3. The associated memory loss following shock allows the person to start afresh. They literally forget they were depressed or suffering from schizophrenia.