sac 6 (psychological disorders)

Question 1

schizophrenia

Answer 1

A specific kind of psychotic disorder characterised by the presence of longer-term psychosis and impairment to functioning.
- significantly debilitating, having a major impact on a
person’s ability to take care of themselves and function effectively at work, school, and in social relationships/

Question 2

schizophrenia symptoms

Answer 2

hallucinations (particular auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices), negative symptoms (particularly a reduced expression of emotions), delusions, disorganised speech, and catatonia.

Question 3

biological factors

Answer 3

• Genetic links
• brain structure and function
• Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex
• Less grey matter in frontal and temporal lobes
• Lower activity of certain neurotransmitters i.e. dopamine.

Question 4

psychological factors

Answer 4

• Stress can trigger it if you’re already genetically vulnerable to it.
• Cognitive impairments
• Memory problems

Question 5

social factors

Answer 5

• Negative family environment
• Dysfunctional parenting
• Disturbed family communication styles
• Parenting style that makes the child feel guilty.

Question 6

two hit hypothesis

Answer 6

proposes that two events – genetic
vulnerability and environmental stress cause psychological disorders such as schizophrenia.

Question 7

hit 1, genetic vulnerability

Answer 7

Genetically determined vulnerability, for example, a biological relative has the disorder

Question 8

hit 2, environmental stress

Answer 8

• Major stressful life event
• Negative early life experiences (childhood)
• Ongoing family stress
• Substance use
• Loss of a loved one
• Abuse
• Trauma

Question 9

treatment

Answer 9

Medical treatment -
not total solutions, can reduce some symptoms especially positive symptoms i.e. delusions and hallucinations
Psychotherapy –
cognitive behaviour therapy: helps identify and
change irrational thought processes.
Social support –
going to a support group provides mutual support and assistance in finding suitable work, accommodation.

Question 10

examples of symptoms in the movie

Answer 10

paranoia- the psychologists and doctors are working for the Russians
hallucinations- best friend/roommate charles
grandiose delusions- thinking he is too important and thats why hes locked in the hospital. or he is so smart and thats why he was ‘chosen by the government’
self harm- when he cuts his arm in the hospital or when he bangs his head on the glass when he was frustrated