Psychopathology

Question 1

What are the four explanations for abnormality?

Answer 1

Deviation from Social Norms
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
Statistical Infrequency
Failure to function adequately

Question 2

Describe Rosenhan and Seligman’s Failure to function adequately theory

Answer 2

Individual is incapable to cope with day-to-day life due to psychological distress. More criteria fulfilled, more abnormal
Suffering 
Unpredictability
Maladaptiveness 
Observer Discomfort 
Vividness 
Irrationality 
Violation of Moral Standards

Question 3

Describe Jahoda’s Deviation from Ideal mental health theory

Answer 3

Argued the concepts of abnormality and normality were too vague - focuses on positive mental health.
Autonomy - independence of societal pressures
Perception of Reality
Personal Growth
Integration - ability to cope with day-to-day stressors
Environmental Mastery - well-rounded individual
Self-attitudes

Question 4

Describe the theory of statistical infrequency

Answer 4

Most people are within the average (95%) and ‘abnormal’ individuals lie on either extremes - any unusual behaviour is abnormal.

Question 5

Describe the theory of deviation from social norms

Answer 5

Any behaviour that doesn’t follow social norms is deemed abnormal - varies between cultures and time periods. Focuses on the impact of individual’s on others, rather than on themselves

Question 6

State three behavioural characteristics of phobias

Answer 6

Freeze/Faint, Disruption of functioning, Avoidance, Panic

Question 7

State three emotional characteristics of phobias

Answer 7

Screaming/Crying, Fear, Panic/Anxiety

Question 8

State three cognitive characterisics of phobias

Answer 8

Selective Attention, Insight, Cognitive distortions, Irrational thinking

Question 9

Describe systematic desensitisation as a behavioural technique of treating phobias

Answer 9

Wolpe (1958)
Weekly sessions for however long necessary to gradually overcome phobia. Replaces irrational fears on principle that it’s impossible to experience two opposing emotions at once
1) Hierarchy of fear
2) Relaxation techniques - PMR, the relaxation response, deep breathing
3) Exposure

Question 10

Describe flooding as a behavioural technique of treating phobias

Answer 10

Patient is exposed to object immediately (one session only) until phobic response is removed. Taught relaxation techniques beforehand. Can be in vivo or virtual.

Question 11

State three behavioural characteristics of depression

Answer 11

Social impairment, poor hygiene, weight changes, aggression/self-harm

Question 12

State three emotional characteristics of depression

Answer 12

Anger, loss of enthusiasm, worthlessness

Question 13

State three cognitive characteristics of depression

Answer 13

Absolutist thinking, poor memory, thoughts of death, negative thinking

Question 14

Describe the cognitive triad as a cognitive explanation for depression

Answer 14

Beck (1960)
States patients have distorted and negative thinking - have developed negative schemas from childhood that provide a negative framework (ineptness and self-blame).
Negative thought process: SELF - WORLD - FUTURE

Question 15

Describe the ABC model as a cognitive explanation for depression

Answer 15

Ellis (1957)
Caused by irrational and negative beliefs, model explains how they form:
Activating Event
Beliefs
Consequences
Mustabatory thinking refers to irrational and idealistic thinking that can be emotionally damaging

Question 16

Describe CBT as a cognitive treatment for depression

Beck

Answer 16

Aims to challenge maladaptive thoughts to become more rational and help the patient think in a more positive way. Cognitive triad is used as a basis - patients encouraged to challenge thoughts and keep record of positive life events. Weekly sessions alone or in group

Question 17

Describe REBT as a cognitive treatment for depression

Ellis

Answer 17

Uses the ABC model in a more positive and rational way. Patients encouraged to practice positive thinking. Three stages: 1) Disputing irrational thoughts
2) Effective attitude to life
3) Feelings/emotions
Patients given homework, encouraged to participate in pleasurable activities, and shown unconditional positive regard

Question 18

State three behavioural characteristics of OCD

Answer 18

Compulsions, social impairment, hindrance of everyday functioning, repetitive behaviours, avoidance of triggers

Question 19

State three emotional characteristics of OCD

Answer 19

Anxiety/Distress, Guilt/Disgust, Depression

Question 20

State three cognitive characteristics of OCD

Answer 20

Obsessions, Attention bias, realisation of inappropriateness, uncontrollable urges, recognition of self-generation

Question 21

Describe the neural explanation of OCD

Answer 21

Sufferers have high dopamine and low serotonin levels. High dopamine linked to over activity in basal ganglia area (motor functioning, learning). Low serotonin causes malfunction of caudate nucleus (uses past to influence actions) - can’t control transmission of anxious thoughts

Question 22

Describe the genetic explanation of OCD

Answer 22

Classed as polygenic:
COMT - regulates production of dopamine, more common in OCD patients
SERT - affects transportation of serotonin, mutation in gene associated with OCD. Ozaki (2003) found 6/7 family members with OCD had mutated gene

Question 23

How do SSRIs work to treat OCD?

Answer 23

Inhibits the re-uptake of serotonin so it’s readily available for receptor sites. Start on the lowest dosage possible

Question 24

How do tricyclics work to treat OCD?

Answer 24

Blocks the re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline - more serotonin available

Question 25

How do benzodiazepines work to treat OCD?

Answer 25

Acts as a sedative - reduces activity in the CNS and reduces brain arousal. Increases GABA - inhibitory neurotransmitter. Decreases serotonin levels, increasing depression.