Real life implications of psychopathology psychology

Question 1

practical applications

Answer 1

• explanations of abnormality: helps to identify mental health issues so they can be treated, reduces stigma. DFIMH gives a more positive perspective
• characteristics of disorders: identify/understand mental health disorders so they can be treated
• behavioural approach: systematic desensitisation/flooding is effective for flooding (SD- McGrath et al 75% improvement; flooding- Choy et al more effective than SD)
• cognitive approach: CBT is effective for depression (March et al 81%), as effective as drugs w no side effects
• biological approach: drug therapy is effective for OCD, reduce anxiety symptoms (Soomro et al- more effective than placebos)

Question 2

economic implications: positive

Answer 2

• drug therapy: less time consuming, easy to administer, large scale production, effective, so reducing unnecessary healthcare costs on ineffective treatments (£22.5 billion); more people can return to work/contribute to economy
• flooding = cost effective (one session)
• CBT now generally completed online and is easily accessible 24/7 (cost effective)
• all therapy’s can help reduce the £22.5 billion NHS costs of mental health on economy, reduce taxes; encourage people back to work, can contribute to economy

Question 3

economic implications: negative

Answer 3

• systematic desensitisation/CBT are time consuming, require several sessions, expensive to pay professionals
• CBT for depression takes longer (impractical) so may take longer to get people back into work; can’t contribute to economy
• drug treatments have side effects so people may need time of work; can’t contribute to economy, may affect employers if payed leave for mental health