Psychopathology

Question 1

What is the TWO PROCESS THEORY?

Answer 1

This suggests that phobias are initiated and maintained via two methods of conditioning.

CLASSICAL - Learning by association (Pavlov) suggests that if someone has had a bad experience with said phobia in the past, this is when it is initiated. Eg - bitten by a dog

OPERANT - Learning through consequences (Skinner) suggests that the phobia is maintained by the potential avoidance of said phobia (negative reinforcement) or maybe the attention received from the fear of said phobia (positive reinforcement) or facing the stimulus or event (punishment)

So…
CLASSICAL - How phobia is INITIATED
and
OPERANT - How phobia is MAINTAINED

Question 2

What is the flooding technique?

Answer 2

Based on classical conditioning but quicker and often regarded as more effective than systematic desensitisation, flooding is the exposure to a fear-provoking situation often repeatedly, eg someone with a fear of spiders may be suddenly put into a room full of spiders. Client will initially be flooded or overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. However, physiologically it is impossible to maintain a state of anxiety for such a long period and the reaction is so severe that the response is exhausted and the fear begins to diminish. New association is formed with the stimulus and feelings of calmness.

Question 3

What does SSRIs stand for?

Answer 3

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Question 4

How do the antidepressant SSRIs work?

Answer 4

The neurotransmitters carry an electrical impulse across the synapse to the post-synaptic neuron.

The SSRIs prevent the reabsorption of the neurotransmitters into the pre-synaptic neuron, meaning they remain active in the synapse, stimulating the post-synaptic neuron.

Question 5

What are 2 alternative anti depressants to SSRIs?

Answer 5

• Tricyclics - Have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs but can have much more SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS
• SNRIs - Increase levels of serotonin as well as another neurotransmitter called noradrenaline

Question 6

Name some examples of anti-anxiety drugs

Answer 6

Diazepam
Benzodiazapines
Beta-blockers

Question 7

How does the anti-anxiety drug - benzodiazapine - work?

Answer 7

Slows down the CNS by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has a general quietening effect on many of the neurons in the brain. slowing down activity and therefore making the person feel more relaxed.

Question 8

What is statistical infrequency ?
Strength + Weakness

Answer 8

SI - statistically rare or “abnormal”

Strength - Real world applications - used in clinical practice

Weakness - Some statistically rare behaviours are desirable - eg. intelligence

Question 9

What is deviation from social norms?
Weakness?

Answer 9

How far a persons behaviour deviates from the socially accepted norms and values of the society.

Weakness - views can change over time
- dependant on social context

Question 10

What is Failure to function adequately ?
Strength ? Weakness ?

Answer 10

They have stopped experiencing a normal range of emotions or are not participating in a normal range of behaviours.

• Personal distress , dysfunctional or maladaptive behaviour , irrational behaviour.

Strength - useful to identify abnormality
Weakness - cultural relativism

Question 11

What is deviation from ideal mental health ?

Answer 11

The idea that mental health can be defined like normal physical health

Set of criteria -
Self attitude
Personal growth and self-actualisation
Integration
Autonomy
Having an accurate perception of reality
Mastery of the environment

Strength - positive approach - influence on humanistic approaches.

Weakness - Unrealistic criteria - most of us would be considered abnormal