Interactionist explanations of SZ

Question 1

What is the Diathesis Stress Model to explaining SZ?

Answer 1

The diathesis (genetic predisposition) is triggered by the stress (environmental factor) which leads to the disorder i.e. SZ.

Question 2

What did Joseph find that relates to the diathesis stress model?

Answer 2

Concordance rates of MZ twins was 40% compared to 7% for DZ twins. Suggesting there must be another cause of SZ that accounts for the other 40% of cases.

Question 3

Give two strengths of the interactionist explanation of SZ.

Answer 3

+Supporting evidence from Tenari et al.
Adoptive families ratings predicted SZ in children with mothers of high risk and not of low risk.

+Allows for free will.
Knowledge that external triggers are the cause of SZ leads individuals to make more positive life choices.

Question 4

Give a disadvantage of the interactionist explanation of SZ.

Answer 4

-Environmental factors linked to biology may be the cause e.g. cannabis leads to malfunctions in the dopamine system.

Question 5

What is Electric Therapy in treating SZ?

Answer 5

Combining drug treatment (e.g. antipsychotics) and psychological therapy (e.g. CBT).
Combining the two treatments helps to cure, or lessen, the relative symptoms caused by either the diathesis or the stress.

Question 6

Give advantages of the interactionist treatment of SZ.

Answer 6

+A holistic approach to treating covers all the potential bases of SZ, e.g. drugs may treat hallucinations and delusions whereas CBT works to tackle symptoms such as avolition and disorganised thinking.

Question 7

Give disadvantages of the interactionist treatment of SZ.

Answer 7

-Due to the many negative side effects, which treatment to use can be a difficult decision to make.
This is not helped by the facts disorganized thinking and avolition are common symptoms of SZ.

-A combination of treatments may be costly and time consuming.
This places a burden on public health systems, however in the long run it may be more effective.