Interactionist Explanations Flashcards
interaction is explanations
.rathwr than trying to asses which explanation is correct and which is the best treatment, better to perceive sch. as developing through several interacting factors and view combinations of diff therapies as best forms of treatment
diathesis stress model
.type of interactionism - sch. perceived as result from combination of bio and enviro factors
.sch. episode seen as triggered or worsened by enviro stressors combined with biological diathesis
explanation for dsm
.prev research indicated sch. has bio component w several genes identified that seem to increase vulnerability to developing disorder
.seems likely genetic factors also linked to faulty dopaminergic system and to abnormal functioning of other neurotransmitters
.however - genes on own do it cause, but increase likelihood of enviro stressors triggering sch. episode
.research also indicates that neural correlates are an effect of sch. rather than being due to genetic influence
what are psychological triggers for sch. and who is most likely to develop it
.family dysfunction, substance abuse, critical life events
.those most genetically at risk of developing disorder will be most vulnerable to triggers
.cog. deficits and dys. thought processing seen as effects rather than causes
ev. of interactionism
.murray found kids born after flu epidemic where mothers had constructed disease while pregnant, especially 2nd trimester, had 88% increased chance of developing sch. than kids born in same time period whose mothers had not contracted flu
.exposure to flu during 2nd trimester suspected to cause defects in neural development - leads to increased vulnerability to sch. due to brain damage, has knock on effect on dopamine functioning
.shows how sch. can result in an interaction of factors
ev of interactionism - families
.barlow and durand - family history of sch. (indicates genetic link) coupled w being a part of a dysfunctional stressor, elevated risks of developing sch.
.support diathesis stress model - diathesis being genetic tendency, stress being dysfunctional family
eval of interactionist explanations
• Stressors that may contribute to a risk of developing schizophrenia include biological, environmental, psychological and social factors. However, it is not known precisely how these risks contribute to the diathesis-stress interaction for any one person because specific causes for schizophrenia may differ between individuals.
• The differential susceptibility hypothesis extends the diathesis-stress model to include positive as well as negative environments. An individual person may have a biological vulnerability that combined with a stressor leads to schizophrenia. However, the same» individual if exposed to a positive environment, such as a loving family background, could have better outcomes that reduce the chances of them becoming schizophrenic.
• Genes cannot determine outcomes on their own, they need a particular environment in which to express themselves. Therefore genes that predispose someone to have increased vulnerability to schizophrenia cannot on their own cause the disorder; instead they need particular stressors to be present to trigger the potential of the genes to bring about the disorder, in line with the diathesis-stress model.
interactionist treatments
.research indicates that combined treatments. (more than one treatment is administered simultaneously) is generally most effective
.which combination is best is determined by each patients in. circumstances and needs - family therapy only suits those that have contact with family and have great deal of dys. family rel.
what generally occurs with interactionist treatments
.antipsychotivs given first to reduce symptoms so psychological treatment can then have a greater effect
.antipsychotics also generally given while the other treatment is being administered
evidence of antipsychotics being effective
.guo et al - patients in early stages of sch. who receive combination of antipsychotics and a psychological therapy have improved insight, quality of life and social functioning - less likely to discontinue treatment or relapse than those taking antipsychotics alone
.illustrates value of combined treatments
ev of cbt and drug combination treatment
.morrison and turkington - drug treatment plus cbt produced better rates of symptom reduction and relapse than drug treatment or cbt alone
.demonstrates effectiveness of an interaction of treatments
eval of interactionist treatment
• A combination of behavioural and cognitive therapies is often effective as cognitive therapies address disordered thinking, allowing behavioural therapies to then be effective in teaching functional social skills and when to apply them in real-life situations. Without the cognitive restructuring patients are too disordered for behavioural therapies to be of any use.
• Although combining therapies increases the cost of treatment, the greater effectiveness of treatment can make combination therapies more cost effective in the long term.
• As schizophrenia often has both biological and psychological components, combined treatments are often desirable, where biological treatments such as drugs address the biological elements and psychotherapeutic treatments address the psychological elements.
• Combination CBT treatments can have a downside, too - patients receiving CBT sometimes interpret the side effects of simultaneous drug treatments in a delusional manner, increasing their mistrust and resistance to further treatment.
