Psychopathology Flashcards
Abnormality in statistical infrequency
More than two standard devaluations from the mean
Evaluation of statistical infrequency
+ objective- works out abnormality based on what is statistically infrequent. Value judgements won’t play a part. Focuses on only statistics making it more scientific
- some statistically infrequent behaviours are desirable. E.g. a high iq is infrequent but would be seen as a positive thing. This suggests that this definition alone cannot define abnormality.
Social Norms and what is considered abnormal
Accepted standards of behaviour in society.
Abnormal if they go against social norms
Evaluation of deviation from social norms
+ it distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviour. This means only negative behaviours are deemed as abnormal. This means we are less likely to attatch a stigma to those with desirable abnormalities
- can be seen as a form of social control. What is deemed as desirable is determined by society. Sometimes people need to go against social norms for positive change. E.g. Rosa parks & suffragettes
Features to indicated that a person is failing to function
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989)
1. Experiencing severe depression personal distress
2. They’re behaviour is maladaptive ( not helpful for acheiving life goals)
3. Irrational behaviour that cannot be explained in a logical way and causes others to feel discomfort
4. When others do not adhere to standard interpersonal expectations
Evaluation of failure to function adequately
+ can help individuals to recognise they need professional help. Mental health problems are occurring more frequently. Many people only focus on the more severe symptoms to identify when help is needed. This definition allows individuals to identify when they are failing to cope and seek professional help.
- may be quite normal to show these behaviours at certain points. Personal distress is quite normal in certain situations. Nearly all individuals suffer at some point in their lives. This does not make them abnormal. This may lead to mislabelling
Failure to function adequately def
Being unable to cope with day to day living
Difficulty holding down a relationship, holding down a job, or taking care of themsleves
Ideal mental health
Marie Jahoda (1958)
-no signs of distress and can cope it’s stress well
- thoughts and behaviours are rational and we have a realistic view of the world
- ability to self actualise and have a high self esteem
- do not rely on other people and are a master of our own environment
Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health
+ takes a more positive view to defining mental illness. It focuses on defining desirable behaviour. The criteria list is extensive, mental health treatments can be guided around what is missing from this list
- far too optimistic. Very few of us will meet the whole criteria all of the time. For example if in a stressful situation you show signs of stress
Definitions of obsessions and compulsions
Obsessions- a reoccurring and unwanted thought
Compulsions- a repetitive behaviour done to alleviate anxiety caused by obsessions
Genetic explaination for OCD
Nestadt- meta analysis of 14 twin studies into OCD found a concordance rate of 68% for MZ twins and 31% for DZ twin.
The higher MZ concordance rate implies there is some genetic reason for OCD.
Mutated SERT gene affects levels of seretonin
OCD is believed to be polygenic with a theorised 200 genes responsible for it.
Evaluation for the genetic explaination of OCD
+ ozaki et al. Looked at two unrelated families and found that 6/7 participants with the SERT mutation had OCD.
- ignores the influence of the environment/ nurture. If OCD was only cause by genetics we would expect the concordance rate in MZ twins to be 100%. This shows the cause of OCD is not just genetics
Neural explaination for OCD- serotonin
A neurotransmitter that controls our mood. Low levels of serotonin have been found in those with OCD. Messages about regulating mood are not normally transmitted which may explain the intense anxiety felt by those with OCD which may then lead to obsessions
Neural explaination a for OCD- basal ganglia
A set of brain structures located at the base of the forebrain. One of their functions is related to making decisions surrounding movements that are likely to lead to positive consequences and and avoiding unpleasant things. And abnormality in the basal ganglia may lead to OCD.
Evaluation of neural explaination for OCD
+wise and rapoport. Found that OCD is common in sufferers of huntingtons chores, Parkinson’s and Tourette’. These three illnesses are movement disorders and all involve abnormalities in the basal ganglia.
- HOWEVER, not every sufferer of these disorders has OCD which suggests this cannot be the only explaination
+ OCD is often treated with the use of drugs such as SSRIs. They work by blocking the reuptake sites on the presynaptic neuron so that serotonin remains in the synapse for longer to increase the levels of serotonin. This then relieves the symptoms of OCD.
-HOWEVER, cause and effect is hard to determine. Whilst a relationship can be shown between OCD and serotonin, it cannot say that one causes the other.
Ethical issues with drug therapies
Not very empowering.
Patient has to do what they are told and doesn’t require any effort
Psychological therapies only lead to improvement through effort of the patient
This is more empowering for the patient
What is an SSRI
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They are anti depressants that are prescribed to treat many disorders
How are SSRIs used for people with OCD
People with OCD reuptake serotonin too quickly.
SSRIs block reuptake sites on the presynaptic neuron, so serotonin remains in the synapse for longer meaning it has more of a chance to be taken up by the receptor sites on the post synaptic neuron
This increases serotonin levels
Decreases symptoms of OCD
Why is a tricyclic
An alternative for SSRIs. They work in a very similar way however they also work on other neurotransmitters. There do have more severe side effects so are usually used once SSRIs have failed
Evaluation of drug therapy to treat OCD
+ research to support the effectiveness of SSRIs. Soomro et al reviewed 17 studies and found SSRIs were more effective than placebos in reducing symptoms of OCD. 70% of those who took SSRIs said their symptoms decreased
+ cheap and require little effort from the patient. A months worth of SSRIs costs £4.21 to dispense, CBT costs hundred and requires effort on the patients part in terms of attending sessions and completing homework tasks
- side effects include anxiety and digestive , visual and sleeping problems. These won’t affect everyone but for some it will just be exchanging one problem for another.
- evidence suggests drugs work best when paired with CBT. Foe et al carried out a study using OCD patients found that chloropramine was more effective when combined with CBT. This limits the use of the drugs
