Paradigms Flashcards
What is a paradigm?
- A set of basic assumptions
- a general perspective
Paradigm shift
A change in concepts
- Kuhn
Adoption of a paradigm
- explains how and why each might be used.
- affects how a scientist-practitioner works - influences assessment and treatment
- can restrict, limit, bias a clinicians remit
- risk that scientific research can never be completely objective, despite claims to be contrary
Paradigms in psychopathology
Biological Psychological Diathesis-Stress Biopsychosocial Psychobiosocial
Factors which cut across paradigms
- emotions
- sociocultural factors
- interpersonal factors
Emotions
- influence how we respond to problems and challenges
- shape and guide thoughts and behaviour
- emotional regulation and self-control
Sociocultural factors
- gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religious and spiritual beliefs
Interpersonal factors
Family/friends
Biological paradigm
- psychopathology results from altercations in biological processes
Support?
- heredity and risk of developing sz
- brain biochemistry involved in symptoms of depression
- nervous system involved in arousal related to anxiety disorder
Genetics
- predisposition to certain characteristics or behaviours
Methods for examining whether a genetic predisposition for psychopathology exists?
Family studies
Twin studies
Adoption studies
What have family studies shown?
That presence of mental disorder in closer relatives increases risk of developing mental disorder
- however, genes do not operate in isolation there is interaction from the environment
Biochemistry
Neuroscience - focus on brain processes
How can neurotransmitters be controlled?
By influencing:
- rate of release
- excitation
- re-uptake
Important neurotransmitters?
- 5HT/seratonin
- dopamine
- gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Seratonin
Linked to depression, mania and sz
GABA
Inhibits nerve impulses, shortage may lead to anxiety
Dopamine
Linked to mania, SZ and dementia in Parkinson’s
Treatment
Focuses on altering physiology of the brain
- Valium
- Thorazine
- Prozac
Criticism?
- reductionist approach
- medication alone does not always prevent relapse
Evaluation of Biological paradigm
- dominant in Western world
- tends to minimise or ignore any social or environmental influences
- key assumption: dysfunctional behaviour results from faulty brain functioning
Psychodynamic paradigm
Psychopathology is the result of unresolved unconscious conflict in individuals
Treatment
Focuses on increasing insight into unresolved conflict and use of defender mechanisms
- aims to help individual identify and understand childhood conflict
- resolve this conflict
