Chapter 3 - Models Of Abnormality Flashcards
The Biological Model
An illness brought about by malfunctioning parts of the organism (brain anatomy, brain chemistry, brain circuitry)
Neurons
Approximately 86 billion
Transmits messages throughout the body to the brain
Glia
Support cells
Synapse
The tiny space between the nerve endings of one neuron and the dendrite of another
Neurotransmitter
A chemical that released by one neuron, crosses the synaptic space to be received at receptors on the dendrites of neighboring neurons
Receptor
A site on a neuron that receives a neurotransmitter
Hormones
The chemicals released by endocrine glands into the bloodstream
Brain circuit
- A network of particular brain structures that work together, triggering each other into action to produce distinct kind of behavioral, cognitive or emotional reaction
- increasingly focused on as the key to psychological disorders
Gene
Chromosome segments that control the characteristics and traits we inherit
Psychotropic medications
Drugs that primarily affect the brain and reduce many symptoms of mental dysfunction
Brain stimulation
Interventions that directly or indirectly stimulate the brain in order to bring about psychological improvement
Electroconvulsive therapy
A biological treatment in which a brain dies ire is triggered as an electrical current passes through electrodes attached to the patients forehead
Psychosurgery
Brain surgery for mental disorders
Id
The psychological force that produces instinctual drives, needs and impulses
Treatment types for biological model
Drug therapy, brain stimulation, psychosurgery
Strengths of biological model
- respect in field
- produces valuable new information
- treatments may bring considerable relief
Weakness of biological model
- can limit rather than enhance our understanding
- too simplistic
- treatments produce significant undesirable effects
What clinicians look for in biological model
- Irregulation of neurotransmitters and/or hormones
- genetic influences
- problem with brain structures or abnormalities
Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic model
- oldest and most famous
- states persons behavior is determined by underlying dynamics or which the subject is not consciously aware
- created by Sigmond Freud (1856-1939)
Developmental Stages (Freud)
- oral
- Anal
- phallic
- latency
- genital
How did Freud view these stages?
If successful - personal growth
If unsuccessful - fixation at early age leading to psychological abnormalities
Egotheroists
Emphasizes the role of the ego, consider it independent from ID and powerful