Individual (Psychopathology) Flashcards
Which criteria define atypical behaviour?
Criteria used to define atypical behaviour:
Distress - The behaviour is causing distress to the individual.
Harm and functioning - The behaviour is harming the individual in a way which affects the way they function.
Rarity - The behaviour is statistically rare/uncommon
Extremity - The behaviour is radically different (extreme) in comparison to statistical norms
Describe how the biological approach would explain a disorder such as depression.
Biological suggestions for cause of mental illness:
- The illness is due to chemical imbalance
- The illness is genetic
- The illness is caused by substance abuse (also chemical)
- The illness is caused by physical brain defects
- The illness is caused by damaging environmental factors e.g. Pesticides (also chemical)
Describe Psychopathology?
Psychopathology is the study of mental illness, also known as atypical behaviour.
Describe how the psychodynamic/psychoanalytic approach would explain a disorder such as depression.
Psychodynamic explanations for mental illness:
- The illness is a result of repressed, unconscious urges, desires and memories
- The illness is a result of imbalance of the id, the ego and the superego. i.e. Weak ego leading to dominant id or superego
- The illness is a result of defence mechanisms
- The illness is a result of unresolved, unconscious childhood experiences
Describe how the cognitive approach would explain a disorder such as depression.
Cognitive explanations for mental illness:
- The illness is a result of the individuals negative outlook on life (Beck’s triad)
- The illness is a result of faulty schemas or processes
- The illness is a result of the individuals irrational thoughts (Catastrophising, minimalisation etc.)
Describe 4 different defence mechanisms:
Defense mechanisms:
Repression - Desires, wishes, emotions and memories that are deemed unacceptable to the individual are hidden in their unconscious mind. The process is automatic and the individual has no control over what moves from their conscious to their unconscious mind. The repressed memories continue to influence behaviour.
Projection - When an individual sees their own undesirable personality traits in someone else. Projecting their unconscious emotions onto another person.
Denial - When an individual denies facts or events relating to them e.g. An alcoholic saying their not dependent on alcohol
Regression - This is when an individual resorts to childlike behaviours as a response to anxiety or trauma e.g. Having heavy tantrums when stressed.
Displacement - This is when feelings towards a particular person are diverted onto someone else
Sublimation - This is when feelings about a person or situation are transferred onto something else e.g. The rapper Eminem felt angry at his upbringing but rather than taking his anger out on his parents he expressed it through his rapping
How can psychopathology support individual wellbeing?
Research into psychopathology and atypical behaviour helps us to understand mental illness. This research also provides insight into what may help individuals who suffer from mental illness. For example research has shown that depression is partly caused by depletion of the ‘happy hormone’ - serotonin. This evidence has allowed scientists to formulate serotonin boosting drugs which are designed to help those with depression.
Describe various treatments for atypical behaviour.
Treatment for atypical behaviour:
Drug therapies - The use of drugs to treat mental illness. This is drawn from the biological approach.
- Anti depressants
- Anti-psychotics
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - Tackles negative or harmful thought processes. CBT is often used as treatment for anxiety and depression.
- Cognitive aspects focus on rational discussion of the clients beliefs
- Behaviourist techniques such as flooding are sometimes incorporated
Psychoanalytic therapy - This is based on Freuds theory that atypical behaviour stems from disruptive unconscious thoughts. The aim of this therapy is to reveal these unconscious conflicts.
- Dream analysis
- Hypnosis
- Rorschach test
- Word association
Evaluate CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy)
- CBT is the treatment of mental illness through tackling harmful and negative thought processes.
- This often involves a discussion of the clients beliefs.
- CBT has an advantage over drug therapies as there are no negative side effects.
- A negative view on CBT is that it tends to be costly in terms of time and money, making it more difficult for some to access.
Evaluate psychoanalytic therapy.
- Psychoanalytic therapy focuses on bringing unconscious issues into the conscious mind, making it easier for patients address the issue.
- A down side of this approach is it tends to be a very lengthy and costly process in comparison to other therapies (drugs & CBT)
- It is argued by psychoanalysts that it is important to uncover unconscious causes of problems as it will likely prevent similar issues arising in the future.
- The psychoanalytic approach to therapy is based on Freud’s theory of the id, ego and superego. There is no solid guarantee that this type of therapy actually works as it is just a theory.
What is a circadian rhythm?
The circadian rhythm is the body’s natural clock, it controls periods of activity and inactivity.
Explain the biology of circadian rhythms
The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls circadian rhythms. When the sun sets and there isn’t much light, signals are sent from the retina to the hypothalamus, where the hormone melatonin is released by the pineal gland.
What is sleep?
Sleep is a different type of consciousness to being ‘awake’. During sleep the nervous system is inactive, the eyes are typically closed and the mind is only partially conscious.
State the aim and date of the sleep study carried out by Dement and Kleitman
Dement & Kleitman (1957)
The aim of the study was to find a link between the stages of sleep and the way we dream. They were particularly interested in the function of REM sleep
Describe three factors that affect sleep
Factors affecting sleep:
Drugs - the use of recreational drugs or prescription drugs can have an effect on the user. Stimulants such as caffeine or amphetamines keep the user alert and reduce quality of sleep. Many prescription drugs also have side affects which can affect sleep quality.
Zeitgebers - (German for time-giver) this refers to environmental factors that can affect sleep, for example, artificial light which can confuse the brain and disturb circadian rhythms
Noise - loud sounds can affect how people get to sleep, however most people can sleep through noise once they enter the deeper sleep stages
Anxiety - worry, stress and anxiety can all have a big impact on sleep and sometimes can lead to various sleep disorders
