PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS Flashcards
List any three symptoms of behavioural addiction.
- They have to do the activity more often, or do something more ‘risky’ to get the same buzz
- Reducing the activity is difficult
- They need to do the activity regularly
- They ignore arguments that the activity is unhealthy or damaging
- They spend more time doing the activity than other things they used to enjoy
Han et al. (1999) conducted a study using 327 MZ twins and 174 DZ twins born in Minnesota. The twins were all adolescents.
They looked at the genetic and environmental factors to substance abuse. They found that the major influences on the decision to use substances were environmental rather than genetic.
Does this study support the nature or nurture explanation of addiction?
This study supports the nurture explanation of addiction as the major influences were environmental rather than biological.
Caspi’s 2003 study was longitudinal. What does this mean?
Longitudinal means that the same participants were tested over a few years to investigate changes.
Each participant in this study completed a questionnaire that measured their life events that occurred between their 21st and 26th birthdays.
They were given another questionnaire in the year before their 26th birthday.
Han et al. (1999) conducted a study using 327 MZ twins and 174 DZ twins born in Minnesota. The twins were all adolescents. They looked at the genetic and environmental factors to substance abuse. They found that the major influences on the decision to use substances were environmental rather than genetic.
Give one evaluation point for this study
A strength of the study is that they used a large number of twins in their sample.
What were the aims of Young’s 2007 study?
To investigate the effect of using CBT to treat a group of patients diagnosed with internet addication and to see how problem behaviours improved over time both during the therapy and after therapy sessions had ended.
What is a Likert-type scale?
This is a scale where a person can rate their level of agreement to a statement.
Describe two different types of antidepressants.
SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) block the re-uptake of serotonin when it is released from a neuron.
This means that more serotonin is available to pass further messages between nearby nerve cells.
This increase in serotonin levels in the brain should improve mood.
These are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the UK.
MAOIS (monoanime oxidase inhibitors) prevent the enzyme monoamine oxidase from working properly.
Monoamine oxidase is involved in removing the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine from the brain.
MAOIs prevent this from happening, which makes more of these brain chemicals available which helps to lift a person’s mood.
Richard has been diagnosed with unipolar depression and has been referred to a cognitive behaviour therapist.
Explain what Richard can expect when he attends CBT sessions.
The CBT sessions will help Richard identify his thoughts (cognitions) which influence his feelings and behaviour.
The therapist will challenge Richard’s negative and unhelpful thoughts which are maintaining his depression.
The objective of CBT is for Richard to experience healthier thoughts and feelings.
Outline the conclusions of Caspi’s 2003 study.
CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that there is an interaction between life events and genetic influences in causing depression.
This suggests that both nature and nurture work together to increase the likelihood of a person developing depression.
A person seems to need to have both a specific gene and stressful life events in order to become depressed.
Susan has depression. What symptoms will she suffer from?
Susan may be suffering from a low mood - she may feel very sad or upset.
She may also have a lack of energy even after resting for a long time.
Additionally she may lack motivation to do things.
How does addiction affect individuals and society?
The impact of addiction on the individual may result in their health and quality of life being negatively affected as they may not be able to look after themselves adequately. They may miss time away from their job due to related health problems and this could result in costs for the company in covering the workload for this individual.
Addiction may also impact on family members/close friends who may need to give up work to look after the addict and this may result in health issues and financial implications for the carer.
Which of the following is a classification system?
A. ICE-6
B. ICD-10
C. DSC-4
D. GED-11
B. ICD-10
Caspi’s key research on life stress and depression was conducted in which year?
A. 2003
B. 2006
C. 2004
D. 2005
A. 2003
What was the gene identified in Caspi’s study?
A. 4-HTP
B. 6-THT
C. 5-HPP
D. 5-HTT
D. 5-HTT
What specific addiction was Young (2007) researching?
A. Alcohol
B. Chocolate
C. Internet
D. Drugs
C. Internet
