Psychological Problems Flashcards
Symptoms of Depression
main symptoms= lowering of mood, lack of energy even after resting, lack of motivation
- feeling suicidal
- attempting to commit suicide
- not enjoying activities they used to enjoy doing
- poor sleep
- extreme tiredness that is not relieved by sleep
- poor appetite or increase in normal appetite
- lack of self-esteem
- acting nervously or feeling like their general behaviour has slowed down
- feelings of guilt of blaming themselves for problems
Symptoms of Addiction
- Feeling that the person needs to take the substance
- Stopping of reducing the use of the substance is difficult
- Physical withdrawal symptoms = sweating, shaking, vomiting
- Tolerance to the substance = may need to increase amount used to get same effect over time
- Replacing normal, fun activities with time spent using substance or recovering after it
- Ignoring evidence that the use of the substance is harming for them
Features of Unipolar Depression
- Mild = might find symptoms upsetting but will probably be able to carry on with most day-to-day activities
- Moderate = serious problems doing day-to-day activities
- Severe = have suicidal thoughts or self-arm to cope with feelings
Symptoms of Behavioural Addiction
- Need to do the activity regularly
- Reducing activity is very difficult
- Have to do the activity more often or do something “risky” to get the same “buzz”
- Spend more time doing activity then things they used to enjoy
- Ignore arguments that the activity is unhealthy or damaging
Features of Addiction
- Cannot stop taking substance
- Health problems do not stop addiction
- Giving up social activities
- Keeping a steady supply and stashes of product
- Risky behaviour
- Excessive consumption
- Obsessing
- Secrecy and Denial
- Financial Problems
How does depression affect individuals ad society?
- If they think others dont care they might try commiting suicide
- Amount of time missed from work increases
- Cost of treatment = antidepressants & therapy are expensive
Genetic Explanation
Monozygotic twins = 1 get depression, 46% chance the other will get it
Dizygotic twins = 1 gets depression, 20% chance the other will
-Sometimes trigger from the environment is needed in order for gene to become “active”
Strengths and weaknesses of genetic explanation
+If depression is from genes, we cant blame people for having it
+Lots of research = Caspi et al
-Assumes that if you have certain gene, you will have depression and you can’t change that = people might “let themselves” become depressed
-Fails to take into account other factors, life events
Types of Antidepressants
- SSRIs = block uptake of serotonin
- SNRIs = block uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline
- MAOIs = prevent enzyme that breaks down serotonin and noradrenaline
- TCAs = prevent reabsorption of neurotransmitters
Strengths and weaknesses of drug therapy as a treatment of depression
+improves patients symptoms = making it easier for them to access therapy
+improves motivation = do social activities
+50-65% show improvements
-unpleasant side effects
-have to take very specific diet
-do not treat the actual disorder and fix route of the problem
How does addiction affect individuals and society?
- might ignore their families and friends to do addiction
- spend a lot of money on product
- may develop health problems = lack of self care, results in time off work to get better
- some people turn into criminals and steal to fund their addiction
Caspi et al results
- At least 1 short version of 5HTT gene, with stressful life event, had symptoms of depression
- 2 short versions more likely to be diagnosed with depression than with 2 long versions
- Short version = suicidal thoughts than with long version
- 2 short versions = severe depressive symptoms if suffered stressful life events
Strengths and Weaknesses of Caspi et al
+847 participants
+useful for doctors
-some people might naturally be more likely to put themselves in a stressful life even with the 5HTT gene
-questionnaires = might exaggerate or not make it a big deal so lie
