Psychological Problems Flashcards
What percentage of adults were accessing mental health treatment in 2007 and 2014?
2007 = 24% 2014 = 37%
Explain increased challenges of modern living in terms of mental health
Those in lower income households are more likely to have mental health problems compared to higher income households
Greater social isolation due to city living increases long less and is linked to increased depression.
Explain cultural variations in beliefs about mental health
In western society hearing voices is a symptom of mental health problems such as schizophrenia, but it is a positive experience in India and Africa
Some syndromes are culture-bound, occurring only in certain cultures
Explain issues with characterisation of mental health
The signs and symptoms relating to mental illness are subjective
Explain Jahoda’s theory of recognising mental illness
Signs and symptoms are focused on illness instead of health, in sheet she suggested that we look for signs of mental health. She listed six characteristics to identify illnesses.
Explain the lessening of social stigma
Labelling a person as ‘mentally ill’ or ‘schizophrenic’ develops expectations about their behaviour. The preferred term is mental health, which has less stigma and is focused on health
Define individual effects of mental health problems
The way that mental health problems affect the person experiencing them
Explain damage to relationships due to mental health problems
They affect the ability to talk to others, which affects relationships because communication is important
They are isolating as people avoid being with others as they feel bad about themselves and fear judgement
Explain difficulties coping with day-to-day life due to mental illness
Mental health problems are linked to difficulties with getting dressed, socialising, cleaning the house, etc. This could cause a patient little distress but it might be distressing to others.
Explain negative impact on well-being due to mental health problems
If you are anxious or stressed the body produces cortisol. This prevents the immune system functioning properly, so physical illness is more likely.
Define social effects of mental health problems
The way that mental health problems affect others in society
Explain need for more social care due to mental health problems
Taxes are used to fund social care, offering people in need the basic necessities. Social care includes helping people to learn how to care for themselves and teaches new social and work skills.
Name the social effects of mental health problems
Need for more social care
Increased crime rates
Implications for the economy
Name the individual effects of mental health problems
Damage to relationships
Difficulties coping with day-to-day life
Negative impact in physical well-being
Explain increased crime rates due to mental health problems
There is an increased risk of violence in people with mental health problems
However, this may be explained by co-occurring problems, such as substance abuse
It was found that only 1 in 20 crimes of violence were linked to mental health problems
Explain implications for the economy due to mental health problems
The McCrone report estimates that mental health care costs £22 billion a year
Cheaper drug treatments should be researched more
Increase in dementia is also an issue
What is clinical depression?
The name for depression as a medical condition
What is unipolar depression?
Where there is only one emotional state (depressed)
What is bipolar depression?
Depression alternates with mania, and also periods of normal mood.
Mania is an exaggerates state of intense well-being
What is the difference between sadness and depression?
Sadness is a ‘normal’ emotion where you can still function
Depression involves an enduring and all-encompassing sadness that stops the ability to function
What are the key symptoms of unipolar depression?
Low mood
Loss of interest and pleasure
Reduced energy levels
What are the ‘other’ symptoms of unipolar depression?
Changes in sleep patterns
Changes in appetite levels
Decrease in self confidence
What does a diagnosis of mild, moderate and severe unipolar depression require?
Mild - two of the three key symptoms plus two others
Moderate - five or six symptoms
Severe - seven or more
Symptoms should be present all or most of the time, and for longer than two weeks
How does serotonin in the synaptic cleft affect depression?
High levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft means the postsynaptic neutron is stimulated, improving mood
Low levels at the synapse means less stimulation of the post synaptic neurone, resulting in low mood
What are the other effects of serotonin?
It affects memory, sleep and appetite. These are linked to the characteristics of depression
What are the reasons for low serotonin levels?
Genes
Diet may cause low levels of tryptophan, a key ingredient in serotonin
What is serotonin?
A neurotransmitter which has been linked to several behaviours including depression
What is a strength of the biological explanation of depression?
There is supporting research evidence (McNeal and Cimbolic found lower levels of serotonin in the brains of people with depression)
What are two weaknesses of the biological explanation for depression?
Low levels of serotonin could be an effect of being depressed rather than the cause of it.
Depression may not be solely caused by abnormal levels of neurotransmitters.
