psychopathology AO3

Question 1

(DOA) strength of statistical deviation

Answer 1

there is real life application in the diagnosis. all assessments of patients with mental disorders include measurement of how severe the symptoms are. therefore useful as part of clinical assessment

Question 2

(DOA) limitation of statistical deviation

Answer 2

net help distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviour. some abnormal behaviour is desirable. using this method alone wouldn’t inform clinic if treatment was needed. reduces usefulness as a measure of classification.

Question 3

(DOA) strength of deviation from social norms

Answer 3

distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviour. also takes into account the effect that the behaviour has on others. high validity

Question 4

(DOA) limitation of deviation from social norms

Answer 4

doesn’t consider cultural relativism. the DSM is based on western social norms and ignores Eastern deeming them abnormal. therefore can’t be used as a universal explanation of abnormality.

Question 5

(DOA) strength of failure to function adequately

Answer 5

takes into account individual experiences of the patient. allows us to view mental disorder from the pov of the person. easy to judge objectively. therefore, treatment can be specific to patients needs.

Question 6

(DOA) limitation of failure to function adequately

Answer 6

hard to judge unconventional behaviour. ppt may feel like they are coping just fine. weakness is that it depends who is judging.

Question 7

(DOA) strength of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 7

focuses on positives over negatives. also focuses on desirable over undesirable behaviour. therefore can be argued it takes more of a positive approach to defining abnormality.

Question 8

(DOA) limitation of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 8

sets high standards for mental health. hard to generalise. also hard to measure. could be argued this definition is not useable as it is too hard to achieve.

Question 9

(BATEP) strength of behavioural approach to explaining phobias

Answer 9

supportive empirical evidence. Watson and Rayner (1920) used classical conditioning and created phobia in Little Albert. used white rat + loud noise and made a phobia. shows phobias are learnt as little Albert had no phobia before. shows phobias aren’t innate.

Question 10

(BATEP) limitation of behavioural approach to explaining phobias (not complete explanation)

Answer 10

not complete explanation. Bounton (2007) highlights evolutionary factors could play a role in phobias especially if stimulus could’ve caused pain or death. phobia is innate and is a defence mechanism. BATEP does not explain those phobias that are innate

Question 11

(BATEP) limitation of behavioural approach to explaining phobias (cognitions)

Answer 11

ignores role of cognitions. cognitivists argue phobias develop as result of irrational thinking which doesn’t take into account of behaviourists explanation. Cognitive behavioural therapy is more successful treatment which challenges other theories challenging the validity.

Question 12

(CATED) limitation of cognitive approach to explaining depression (reductionist)

Answer 12

too reductionist. states negative thinking develops depression and ignores biological research. therefore cognitive approach too simplistic

Question 13

(CATED) limitation of cognitive approach to explaining depression (situational factors)

Answer 13

ignores situational factors like family problems or life events. these aren’t considered with this explanation

Question 14

(CATED) strength of cognitive approach to explaining depression (emp evidence)

Answer 14

faulty cognitions linked to depression. Grazioli and Terry (2000) studied 65 pregnant women. women judged higher cognitive vulnerability and more likely end with depression. supports cognitive thinking leads to depression. increases validity.

Question 15

(CATED) strength of cognitive approach to explaining depression (application to real life)

Answer 15

app to real life in therapeutic setting. CBT effective treatment for depression. Gautam (2020). faulty thinking responsible for symptoms of depression. this increases validity as cause of depression.

Question 16

(BATEOCD) (GE) strength of genetic explanation to explaining OCD

Answer 16

There is empirical evidence. Nestadt et al (2010) reviewed twin studies. 68% identical shared OCD. Only 31% non identical. Identical twins with 100% shared DNA more likely to develop OCD than twins with only 50% shared DNA. Therefore validity of theory increased however as results are not 100% other factors must be involved.

Question 17

(BATEOCD) (GE) limitation to genetic explanation for explaining phobias (candidate genes)

Answer 17

Too many candidate genes (possibly 230). Each genetic variation only increases the risk by a fraction. Limits usefulness as it is too complex meaning there is very low predictive validity. Complexity of genetic variation is a limitation for application to the real world.

Question 18

(BATEOCD) (GE) limitation of genetic explanation for explaining OCD (environmental factors)

Answer 18

Ignores environmental factors which play a role. Cromer et al (2007) found over half of OCD sufferes experienced past trauma. OCD more severe the more trauma experienced. Suggests it’s not just genetics causing OCD. Therefore genetic variation is too reductionist and the diathesis stress model is better as it considers genetic and environmental.

Question 19

(BATEOCD) (NE) strength of neural explanations of OCD. (neurotransmitter explanation)

Answer 19

Emp evidence does play a role. Antidepressants work system and some antidepressants purely on serotonin. Increase levels of neurotransmitter by blocking the serotonin reuptake process. Drugs are effective at reducing OCD symptoms suggesting serotonin plays a factor. Evidence is correlational and therefore we can’t establish causation.

Question 20

(BATEOCD) (NE) strength of OFC in having a role in OCD (neural explanation)

Answer 20

Supportive emp evidence. Menzies et al (2007) used MRI to produce brain activity in OCD sufferers and their immediate family members without OCD and then also a control group. Found OCD sufferers and family members had reduced grey matter in the key regions of the brain. Supports both explanations. Real world application

Question 21

(BATTOCD) Limitation of biological approach to treating OCD. (SSRI + SNRI)

Answer 21

Unpleasant side effects. SSRI - indigestion, blurred vision, loss of sex drive. Clomipranine SNRI such as erectile dysfunction, tremors and weight gain. Ashton (1997) used no longer than 4 weeks due to side effects. Not long term.

Question 22

(BATTOCD) strength of biological approach to treating OCD (cost effective)

Answer 22

Cost effective. Less disruptive than therapy. Better for NHS, reduces financial pressure. Less disruptive. 1 tablet a day is easier than weekly sessions and doing homework for CBT. Preferred treatment.

Question 23

(BATTOCD) Strength of biological approach to treating OCD (emp evidence)

Answer 23

Soomro et al (2009) reviewed studies comparing SSRIs to placebos in treatment of OCD. All 17 studies showed much better results in short term for SSRI. 70% improved treatments. However only 3-4 months long

Question 24

(BATTOCD) limitation of biological approach to treating OCD (publication bias)

Answer 24

Concern of publication bias. Turner (2008) claims evidence to show publication bias in more studies t be more effective. Drug companies sponsor research into effectiveness and many companies don’t publish all results. Not all outcomes published - biased evidence.

Question 25

(BATEOCD) (NE) strength of neural explanation of OCD (neural explanation)

Answer 25

supportive emp evidence of orbits frontal cortex having role in OCD. Menzies et al (2007) used MRI to produce brain activity in OCD sufferers and their immediate family members without OCD and then also a control group. Found OCD sufferers and family members had reduced grey matter in the key regions of the brain. supports both explanations and has real world application.