Interactionist approach to sz Flashcards
what does the interactionist approach to schizophrenia say?
Acknowledges that there are BIO, PSYCH and SOCIETAL factors in the development of sz.
Bio= genetic vulnerability and nuerological abnormality
Psych= stress resulting from life events and daily hassles e.g. poor quality interactions with family
what’s the original diathesis stress model?
believed diathesis was ENTIRELY genetic and the result of a SINGLE schizogene.
This led to the development of a biologically based schizotypic personality, one charactersitic is SENSITIVITY to stress.
What if a person doesn’t have the schizogene, according to Meehl?
Then NO amount of stress will lead to sz. But in CARRIERS of the gene, chronic stress through childhood and adolescence, particularly in SZ MOTHER could result in sz.
Hence demonstrating an interaction between bio and enviro.
What is the MODERN understanding of the diathesis stress model?
clear that MANY genes increase genetic vulnerability. There’s no SINGLE gene, this view includes a RANGE of factors beyond genetics, including psychological trauma-TRAUMA becomes the diathesis rather than the stressor.
What’s the modern understanding of stress?
originally seen as psychological in nature, in particular related to PARENTING. Psych stress is still seen as important, but a MODERN definition includes anything that RISKS triggering sz e.g. cannabis.
How is cannabis a stressor?
cannabis is a stressor because ti INCREASES the risk of sz 7 TIMES as it INTERFERES with the dopamine system.
But most DONT develop sz after smoking so there must be OTHER vulnerability factors which interact.
what does interactionist treatment look like?
Acknolwedges BOTH bio and psych facotrs and so it’s compatible with both types of treatment.
Model COMBINES antipsychotics with psychological therapies such as CBT.
Turkington suggests that it’s possible to believe in BIO causes but still practise CBT to relieve psych symptoms.
standard practise in the UK is to COMBINE the two and it’s unusual to treat sz with psych therapies alone. CBT, family therapy and token economies are usually carried out alongside biological treatments.
