Psychopathology (Paper 1) Flashcards
What is the definition of deviation from social norms?
When an individual breaches the typical or expected way of behaving in society
What are 3 weaknesses of deviation from social norms?
- Sometimes, deviation from social norms is a lifestyle choice rather than a sign of abnormality
- Social norms are culturally relative change over time and place
- The definition could be used as a form of social control
What is the definition for failure to function adequately?
Being unable to cope with or manage tasks necessary in everyday life
What are the 6 features of abnormality?
1.Personal distress
2. Maladaptive behaviour
3. Unpredictability
4. Observer discomfort
5. Violation of moral and ideal standards
6. Irrationality
What is a strength and 3 weaknesses of failure to function adequately?
+ It is useful when identifying individuals who need treatment
- Does not take into account an individual’s circumstances
- It is not clear how extreme the behaviour has to be in order to be considered abnormal
- The definition is culturally relative
What is the definition of statistical infrequency?
Behaviour that is very rare
What is a strength and 3 weaknesses of statistical infrequency?
+ It is a useful part of clinical assessment of patients with mental illness
- Does not account for desirability
-Some abnormal behaviour is not rare - Subjective as different people will judge behaviour in different ways depending on where they draw the line
What is the definition of deviation from ideal mental health?
When an individual does not possess all the characteristics that allow them to behave appropriately and competently and lead a happy life
What are the 6 characteristics of ideal mental health?
- Positive self attitudes (high self esteem and sense of identity)
- Self actualisation (Motivated to develop and reach full potential)
- Resistance to stress (ability to cope with stressful situations)
- Autonomy (being independent and self-reliant)
- Having an accurate perception of reality
- Mastery of the environment
What is a strength and 3 weaknesses of deviation from ideal mental health?
+ Offers a positive approach to identifying mental illness
- Idealised set of expectations
- It is unclear how many criteria have to be lacking
- Culturally biased (based on western ideas of self fulfilment)
What is the definition of cultural relativism?
It is only possible for people to think about people’s behaviour in the context of the societies and cultures in which they live
What is the definition of a phobia?
An extreme and irrational fear of a specific stimulus that produces a conscious avoidance of the source of the fear
What are 3 behavioural characteristics of a phobia?
-Avoidance
- Fainting or freezing
- When the behaviours interfere with other daily activities
What are 3 emotional characteristics of a phobia?
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Panic
What are 3 cognitive characteristics of a phobia?
- Recognition of the irrational nature of the fear
- Can’t be helped by rational argument
- Selective attention to the phobic stimulus
What is involved in the two process model?
Step 1: Acquisition through classical conditioning
Step 2: Maintenance through operant conditioning
What are 2 strengths of using the behaviourist approach to explain phobias?
+ There is evidence which suggests learning can be responsible for the development of phobias
+ It has led to the development of successful behavioural therapies
What are 2 weaknesses of using the behaviourist approach to explain phobias?
- Not all phobias appear following a bad experience so not all evidence supports the claims
- It is heavily focussed on the nurture side of the debate
What are the 3 components of systematic desensitisation?
- Relaxation techniques are taught to the patient (e.g. progressive relaxation, and breathing exercises)
- Individual then creates the hierarchy of fear
- The individual then uses their relaxation techniques while being gradually exposed to each scenario
What is the evaluation of the effectiveness of systematic desensitisation?
+ There is evidence to suggest that it is effective
- Not all aspects of the process are equally effective
What is the evaluation of the appropriateness of systematic desensitisation?
+ More ethical way of treating phobias
- Does not attempt to treat the underlying causes of a phobia
What does flooding involve?
Full and immediate exposure to the individual’s feared stimulus
What is the evaluation of flooding?
+ Effective for some individuals
- Potentially traumatic and not always appropriate
What is the definition of OCD?
A mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive activity
What are 2 behavioural characteristics of OCD?
- Repetitive behaviours
- Avoidance of situations that may cause anxiety
What are 2 emotional characteristics of OCD?
- Anxiety and distress
- Shame and embarrassment
What are 2 cognitive characteristics of OCD?
- Uncontrollable thoughts and obsessions
- Irrational and distorted beliefs
What is the role of the COMT gene?
It helps produce an enzyme that regulates the production of dopamine. One form of this gene leads to a lower activity of the enzyme and therefore higher levels of dopamine. This means the brain is overstimulated
What are the 2 genes that are implicated in a vulnerability for OCD?
COMT and SERT genes
What is the role of the SERT gene?
Involved in the production of a protein that removes serotonin from the synapse between neurons. A mutation of this gene leads to higher activity of this protein and therefore lower levels of serotonin
What is area of the brain is damaged to cause OCD?
The caudate nucleus
What 3 areas of the brain make up the worry circuit and what are their roles?
Orbitofrontal cortex - detects threat
Thalamus - Triggers fight or flight
Caudate nucleus - changes behaviour
What are SSRIs and how do they work?
They increase the amount of serotonin that passes around the brain. They prevent the serotonin that flows from one neurone to the next from being reabsorbed or removed from the system , leaving greater amounts of serotonin in the synapse, continuing to stimulate the post synaptic neuron
What are BZs and how do they work?
They help to control feelings of anxiety by reducing the level of brain activity. They slow down activity within the central nervous system
