Psychological Problems

Question 1

What is the diagnosis for unipolar depression?

Answer 1

At least 1 of the 3 main symptoms for most of the time over 2 weeks

Question 2

Give evidence for a genetic basis to depression

Answer 2

McGuffin et al: twin studies

MZ twins have a 46% chance of both becoming depressed, DZ twins only have a 20% chance

Question 3

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the genetic explanation of depression?

Answer 3

S - removes stigma, has supporting evidence

W - deterministic & ignores free will, reductionist

Question 4

What are the 2 theories in the cognitive explanation for depression?

Answer 4

Beck’s cognitive triad (neg view of self, world and future)

Ellis’s ABC model - (Activating event , irrational Beliefs, Consequences-depression)

Question 5

What are the strengths and weakness of the cognitive explanation of depression?

Answer 5

S - life events taken into account, practical applications (used in CBT)
W - cause/effect can’t be proven

Question 6

CBT helps a patient change their negative thought patterns and the way they act. What does the therapy consist of?

Answer 6

1) Discussion of symptoms and emotions
2) Irrational thoughts challenged
3) Patient writes diary at home to record progress
4) A combination of CBT and anti-depressants is often used

Question 7

Strengths and weaknesses of CBT

Answer 7

S - long lasting, effective

W - expensive, unethical (changing someone’s thoughts)

Question 8

Describe SSRIs and SNRIs

Answer 8

Selective serotonin reputake inhibitors - blocks the reputake of serotonin
Serotonin and noradrenaline reputake inhibitors - same but with noradrenaline as well

Question 9

Describe MAOIs and TCAs

Answer 9

Monoamine oxidase breaks down serotonin and noradrenalin; this drug inhibits this process, so there are more of these neurotransmitters available
Tricyclics prevent the reabsorption of S & N into the neurone

Question 10

What are the symptoms and diagnosis of addiction?

Answer 10

Symptoms: need to take it, withdrawal, tolerance, ignoring evidence, not engaging in everyday activities
Diagnosis: 3 symptoms present at the same time for 1 month

Question 11

What are the pieces of evidence for addiction?

Answer 11

Carmelli et al - MZ twins - if one was a smoker, the other was more likely to be a smoker than in DZ twins
Goodwin et al found if s biological parent had an addiction, the adopted child was more likely to develop an addiction

Question 12

Explain classical conditioning and operant conditioning in the learning theory explanation for addiction

Answer 12

Classical - learning through association with something positive (eg. smoking - feeling calm)
Operant - learning by positive consequences (eg. gambling - winning money)

Question 13

What are the 2 stages in CBT for addiction?

Answer 13

Functional analysis (assessment of behaviour to uncover triggers) and skills training (teaching strategies to overcome triggers)

Question 14

What does drug therapy as a treatment for addiction consist of?

Answer 14

Medication is used as a substitute

Question 15

REVISE YOUNG AND CASPI STUDIES

Answer 15

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