Schizophrenia - interactionist approach

Question 1

what is the interactionist approach

Answer 1

• explain the development of behaviour
• include biological and physiological factors and interact

Question 2

what is the diathesis stress model

Answer 2

• vulnerability to SZ and a stress trigger are necessary in order to develop the disorder

Question 3

what is Meehl’s model

Answer 3

• diathesis was entirely genetic and caused by one gene
• biologically based schizotypic personality - sensitivity to stress
• if a person has no schizogene then no amount of stress would lead to SZ
• carriers of the gene chronic stress through childhood and adolescence (SZ mother) could result in the development of the disorder

Question 4

what is the modern understanding of diathesis

Answer 4

• many genes are involved in increasing genetic vulnerability
• include factors such as psychological trauma
  Read et al
• early and severe trauma can alter the developing brain
• hypothalamic pituitary adrenal system can become overactive and a person is much more vulnerable to stress

Question 5

what is the modern understanding of stress

Answer 5

• psychological stress is just as important
• cannabis is a stressor as it increases the risk of SZ by 7 times
• cannabis interferes with the dopamine system
• most people don’t develop SZ after doing cannabis as they lack vulnerability factors

Question 6

what is the treatment according the the interactionist model

Answer 6

• combines antipsychotic medication with CBT
• CBT used to treat and relive psychological symptoms

Question 7

what are the strengths

Answer 7

Tienari et al
- 19,000 Finnish children whose biological mothers were diagnosed with SZ
- as adults high genetic risk group was compared to a control
- adoptive parents assessed for child-rearing style
- high levels of criticism, hostility associated with development of SZ in high risk group

Real World Application
Tarrier et al
- randomly allocated 315 pps to 3 groups
- medication and CBT
- medication and counselling
- medication (control)
- pps in combination groups showed lower symptoms

Question 8

what are the limitations

Answer 8

• original model was too simplistic
  Houston
• childhood sexual abuse was the major influence on developing to SZ and cannabis use as the major trigger
• supports modern understanding and rejects original