interactionist approach to explaining and treating sz

Question 1

AO1: explaining

Answer 1

• takes into consideration both biological and psychological factors in the development of sz
• diathesis means vulnerability, stress means psychological experience
• argues we need genetic vulnerability and a stress trigger for sz to develop

Question 2

AO3: explaining: strength- research evidence

Answer 2

P: research evidence
E: found that a family history of of sz (genetic link) when combined with a dysfunctional family, risk of developing sz increased.
L: supports diathesis stress model
HOWEVER, cause and effect can’t be established when it comes to how the factors contribute to the diathesis stress interaction, as the causes may differ between individual sz

Question 3

AO3: explaining: limitation- diathesis stress model is over simplified

Answer 3

P: diathesis stress model is over simplified
E: found vulnerability is not limited to biology, by finding that childhood sexual trauma increased the risk of developing the illness when the patient later uses cannabis.
L: shows other factors other than biology can be the vulnerability

Question 4

AO1: treating

Answer 4

• research indicates that combining biological treatment (drugs) with psychological treatment (CBT) is more effective
• in UK, antipsychotic drugs are usually given first, to reduce symptom’s so that when CBT is used the patient engages better.
• in USA, tend to offer medication without any psychological treatment

Question 5

AO3: treating: strength- research evidence

however, combination not always positive effects

Answer 5

P: research evidence
E: found that patients who received a combination in the early stages of sz had improved insight and social function as well as being less likely to relapse compared to patients taking antipsychotics alone.
HOWEVER, combination doesn’t always have a positive effect. Found that patients receiving CBT can sometimes interpret the side effects of their antipsychotics in a delusional manner. Leading to mistrusting and resisting any further treatment

Question 6

AO3: treating: strength- can be cost effective

Answer 6

P: can be cost effective
E/E: the combination if both drugs and therapy means the patients gets better quicker and stays better for longer. As well as being less likely to relapse.
L: supports interactionist approach