Psychopathology AO3

Question 1

Evaluate the behaviourist explanation for phobias
(Learning Theory is the same as behaviourist)

Answer 1

SD
+ - can be tested objectively
Mowrer tested his Two Process Model by training rats to escape a shock

+ - has many PAs
This approach birthed “systematic desensitisation” which has been successful in treating many phobias

x - fails to explain cognitive aspects
Ignores how irrational thoughts can bring about phobias
AND SO
would be better to use an interactionist approach as nature and nurture combined can cause phobias

Flooding
+ - cost effective
x - treatment is less effective for social phobias, as they are unable to deal with irrational thoughts

Question 2

Evaluate the behavioural approach to TREATING phobias

Answer 2

+ - proven to be effective
McGrath reported 75% of patients shown an improvement in their symptoms after Systematic Desensitisation

x - not effective for all phobias
Ohman suggests that SD can’t help phobias with an underlying evolutionary component such as a fear of dangerous animals)

+ - Has economic value as it is cost effective

Question 3

Evaluate the cognitive approach to explaining depression

Answer 3

AO3 - Becks Triad
+ supports the idea that depression is due to negative thinking
Grazioli - before and after birth depression

AO3 ELLIS
x - can’t explain all types of depression as not all cases are triggered by an activating event

GENERAL EVAL FOR BOTH
+ - many PAs
Including CBT

x - the success of anti depressants can lead to a preference of the Biological Approach

Question 4

Evaluate the biological approach to explaining OCD
(Drug use + Concord Studies)

Answer 4

+ - Bio approach is supported by Science
Nestadt carried out a meta-analysis of twin studies and found MZ twins had 68% concordance compared to 31% in DZ for OCD
Supports the link between genetics and OCD

+ support comes from drug use
Treating OCD has proven this approach as it uses increasing serotonin levels to treat OCD

x - The Diathesis Stress model may be better at explaining the cause of OCDas it acknowledges that both genes and environment plays a role

Question 5

Evaluate the Cognitive approach to TREATING depression

Answer 5

Becks CBT:
+ - March compared CBT to its drug therapy. He found after 36 weeks, 81% of patients shown an improvement in symptoms in both groups
- shows it is just as effective

Ellis REBT:

For Both:
x - CBT may not work as it requires patients to have motivation to attend regular sessions which may not be possible
May prefer Drug Therapy

Question 6

Evaluate the biological approach to TREATING OCD

Answer 6

For Both explanations:
- Soomro compared SSRIs to a placebo and found were significantly more effective in treating OCD
Additionally
- Kahn compared BZs w/ a placebo and found BZs were more effective at treating anxiety

x - drug therapy leads to side effects such as: indigestion, blurred vision and raised blood pressure

x - BZs are highly addictive and can lead to increased aggression and memory impairments
- can lead to refusal to take medications