Psychopathology Flashcards
Explain the definition ‘statistical infrequency/deviation’ as a way of defining abnormality
The least frequent (rare/uncommon) behaviours are defined as abnormal. The extreme ends of a normal (bell-shaped) distribution.
Explain the definition ‘deviation from social norms’ as a way of defining abnormality
Behaviour which violates the accepted social norms
Explain the definition ‘deviation from ideal mental health’ as a way of defining abnormality
The failure to meet criteria for perfect psychological well-being (as outlined by Jahoda)
Explain the ‘failure to function adequately’ definition of abnormality
An inability to cope/perform behaviours necessary for day to day living.
What were Jahoda’s criteria for ideal mental health?
Positive view of self, Capable of self-actualisation, Independent, Accurate view of reality, Cope with stress, Ability to master environment
What were Rosehan and Seligman’s criteria for failing to function adequately?
Experiences suffering and severe distress through inability to cope, Behaviour has become irrational/dangerous to themselves or others.
What are the strengths of using ‘statistical infrequency’ as a definition of abnormality?
Objective, universal, quick for clinical assessments
What are the weaknesses of using ‘statistical infrequency’ as a definition of abnormality?
Some abnormal behaviours are frequent e.g. depression, Some abnormal behaviours are positive, Labels unusual people negatively
What are the strengths of using ‘deviation from social norms’ as a definition of abnormality?
More culturally relativistic, Allows protection of society
What are the weaknesses of using ‘deviation from social norms’ as a definition of abnormality?
Not universal, subjective, potential human rights abuses
What are the strengths of using ‘deviation from ideal mental health’ as a definition of abnormality?
Allows clear goal setting as can easily identify areas of dysfunction, Positive stance
What are the weaknesses of using ‘deviation from ideal mental health’ as a definition of abnormality?
Ethnocentric, subjective, unrealistic
What are the strengths of using ‘failure to function adequately’ as a definition of abnormality?
Focus on patient perspective, Others can observe and identify problems even if the individual themselves cannot
What are the weaknesses of using ‘failure to function adequately’ as a definition of abnormality?
Subjective, Risks restricting personal freedoms
What is OCD?
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
What are the 2 key characteristics of OCD?
Obsessions and Compulsions
Define obsessions in OCD.
Re-occurring and persistent thoughts that cause anxiety and distress
Define compulsions in OCD.
Repetitive behaviours carried out to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions.
What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?
Compulsions that hinder everyday functioning and cause social impairment
What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?
Anxiety, depression, loss of pleasure in everyday activities
What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?
Obsessive thoughts which sufferers know are irrational and intrusive.
What are the behavioural characteristics of depression?
Loss of energy, fatigue, disrupted sleep patterns, altered eating patterns
What are the emotional characteristics of depression?
Low mood, lack of pleasure, worthlessness
What are the cognitive characteristics of depression?
Poor concentration, negative thoughts
What is a phobia?
An anxiety disorder characterised by extreme irrational fears
Define ‘specific phobia’.
Occurs when sufferers have fears about specific things/environments
Define ‘social phobias’
Occurs when sufferers have fears about situations involving others (including performance phobias)
Define ‘agoraphobia’
Fear of leaving home/a safe place
What are the behavioural characteristics of phobias?
Avoidance of feared object/situation
What are the emotional characteristics of phobias?
Persistent, excessive fear
What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?
Selective attention, Irrational beliefs (about the phobic stimulus)
Which approach do you use to explain phobias?
Behavioural
What is the two process model for explaining phobias?
Acquisition by classical conditioning, Maintenance by operant conditioning
Explain how a phobia is acquired.
Classical conditioning results in associations between a previously neutral stimulus and a naturally fear invoking unconditioned stimulus (fear is the unconditioned response that is eventually conditioned to result from the now conditioned stimulus)
Explain how a phobia is maintained.
Operant conditioning via negative reinforcement – avoidance of the phobic stimulus reduces anxiety which is a positive experience -> continued avoidance
How is the behaviourist approach used to treat phobias (2 ways)?
Flooding, Systematic desensitisation
What is the main difference between flooding and systematic desensitisation?
Flooding = immediate and full exposure to the phobic stimulus, Systematic desensitisation = gradual exposure
What principle is flooding based on?
Eventual exhaustion -> realisation that stimulus is harmless – counter conditioning
What principle is systematic desensitisation based on?
Reciprocal inhibition – it is impossible to be both relaxed and fearful at the same time
How does systematic desensitisation take place?
Creation of anxiety hierarchy, Taught relaxation techniques, Gradual exposure to scenarios in the anxiety hierarchy
Which approach is used to explain depression?
Cognitive
According to the cognitive approach, what is the explanation for depression?
Faulting thinking/processing, 2 models – Beck and Ellis
Outline Beck’s explanation for depression.
Depression results from a cognitive vulnerability caused by 1) Faulty processing, 2) Negative self-schemas, 3) the negative triad
What is a negative self-schema?
A packet of information about the self that is negative, causing all new information on the self to be interpreted negatively.
What is the faulty processing that Beck identifies as part of the vulnerability to developing depression?
Focus on the negative, ignore positives, Absolutism, Catastrophising
Outline the negative triad in Beck’s explanation of depression.
Negative views of the self, the world and the future
What was Ellis’ model for explaining depression?
A – activating event, triggers… B – beliefs, that are irrational, resulting in… C – consequence, depression
What is the cognitive approach to treating depression?
CBT – cognitive behaviour therapy
How does CBT address depression?
It seeks to assist patients to identify irrational/negative thoughts and alter them into rational/positive thoughts
What are the key stages of CBT?
Identify irrational beliefs/thoughts, challenge these beliefs, Behavioural activation
What is the 3 part model for explaining behaviour and emotions that CBT aims to disrupt?
Thoughts cause feelings, Feelings cause behaviours, Behaviours cause/reinforce thoughts
What are the key characteristics of Beck’s approach to CBT?
Encourage the patient to work with the therapist in looking to challenge and alter negative thought processes. May set homework – ‘patient as scientist’
What did Ellis call his version of CBT?
REBT – Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy
Outline Ellis’ version of CBT.
Identify irrational thoughts, Challenge these through empirical (evidence based) or logical dispute – the argument is key
Which approach do you use to explain OCD?
Biological
What are the 2 biological explanations for OCD?
Genetic and neural
Outline the genetic explanation for OCD.
Polygenic, Aetiologically heterogenous, SERT, COMT
Outline the neural explanation for OCD.
Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters – serotonin, Abnormal functioning in particular areas – basal ganglia, orbito-frontal cortex (worry circuit)
What is the biological treatment for OCD?
Antidepressants – SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to elevate levels of serotonin
