Psychological Problems Flashcards
What is the diagnosis for unipolar depression?
At least 1 of the 3 main symptoms for most of the time over 2 weeks
Give evidence for a genetic basis to depression
McGuffin et al: twin studies
MZ twins have a 46% chance of both becoming depressed, DZ twins only have a 20% chance
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the genetic explanation of depression?
S - removes stigma, has supporting evidence
W - deterministic & ignores free will, reductionist
What are the 2 theories in the cognitive explanation for depression?
Beck’s cognitive triad (neg view of self, world and future)
Ellis’s ABC model - (Activating event , irrational Beliefs, Consequences-depression)
What are the strengths and weakness of the cognitive explanation of depression?
S - life events taken into account, practical applications (used in CBT)
W - cause/effect can’t be proven
CBT helps a patient change their negative thought patterns and the way they act. What does the therapy consist of?
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
Strengths and weaknesses of CBT
S - long lasting, effective
W - expensive, unethical (changing someone’s thoughts)
Describe SSRIs and SNRIs
Selective serotonin reputake inhibitors - blocks the reputake of serotonin
Serotonin and noradrenaline reputake inhibitors - same but with noradrenaline as well
Describe MAOIs and TCAs
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
What are the symptoms and diagnosis of addiction?
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
What are the pieces of evidence for addiction?
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
Explain classical conditioning and operant conditioning in the learning theory explanation for addiction
Classical - learning through association with something positive (eg. smoking - feeling calm)
Operant - learning by positive consequences (eg. gambling - winning money)
What are the 2 stages in CBT for addiction?
Functional analysis (assessment of behaviour to uncover triggers) and skills training (teaching strategies to overcome triggers)
What does drug therapy as a treatment for addiction consist of?
Medication is used as a substitute
REVISE YOUNG AND CASPI STUDIES
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