Paper 3 - Schizophrenia - Interactionist Approach

Question 1

Explain the original diathesis stress model of schizophrenia?

Answer 1

This states states that Schizophrenia was entirely genetic “schizogene”
This led to the development of a biologically based schizotypic personality with the main characteristic is sensitivity to stress

According to this theory, if a person doesn’t have the schizogene then there is no amount of stress that would lead to the development of schizophrenia, However, in carriers of the gene, chronic stress thought life, particularly a schizophrenia mother

Question 2

What is the general make up for a modern Diathesis stress model

Answer 2

It is now clear that schizophrenia is polygenic
Modern views of Schizophrenia also includes a range of factors beyond the genetic, including psychological trauma - trauma becomes the diathesis rather than the stressor

Question 3

What is a modern definition of stress?

Answer 3

A modern definition of stress includes anything that risks triggering schizophrenia

Question 4

What are the different stressors?

Answer 4

Smoking
Drugs
Extreme stress (high levels of cortisol)

Question 5

Why is cannabis a stressor?

Answer 5

Cannabis is a stressor because it increases the risk of schizophrenia (X7) as it interferes with the dopamine system

Question 6

Explain briefly stress?

Answer 6

Originally stress was seen as psychological in nature, in particular related to parenting
Psychological stress is still as important
A modern definition of stress includes anything that risks triggering schizophrenia

Question 7

Explain cannabis as a stressor

Answer 7

Cannabis is a stressor because it increases the risk of schizophrenia (X7) as it interferes with the dopamine system
However, most don’t develop schizophrenia after smoking cannabis so there must be other vulnerability factors

Question 8

Explain specifically a modern understanding of the Diathesis Stress Model in terms of schizophrenia?

Answer 8

Read et al (2001) proposed a neurodevelopmental model in which early development in which early trauma alters the developing brain
Eg the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal system (HPA) becomes over active and the person is more vulnerable to later stress

Question 9

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