THE MEDICAL MODEL Flashcards
Biochemical explanation of Sz
Og. cause= increased dopamine (DA) levels
Newer research- too many DA receptors and more sensitive than neurotypical brain
Means DA absorbed into postsynaptic neurone- excess DA in mesolimbic (motivation, reward- +ve symptoms) and mesocartical (cognitive- -ve) pathways
Research evidence for biochemical Sz explanation
Drugs such as cocaine increases Da release and increases hallucinations Pharmaceutical drugs (block DA receptors)- decrease psychotic symptoms= DA has role in Sz
An animal study for biochemical Sz explanation
Randrup and Munkvan
Give rats amphetamines which with prolonged use will lead to SZ behaviour
Treat with antipsychotics (act on DA) and reduce symptoms
Genetic explanation of Sz
evidence
Mirsky- case study on identical female quadruplets born in 1930
All developed Sz by 24
All shared identical genes
History of mental disorders in parents family
// evidence that father abused them
Diathesis (genetic) stress (enviro) model
Brain abnormality explanations for Sz
Role of four ventricles
Cavities that hold cerebrospinal fluid pride nutrients and protection- no cognitive functions
Enlarge ventricles- decreases grey matter
Temporal lobe- explains auditory hallucinations
Frontal- incoherent speech and perceptual disturbance (e.g. delusions)
Strengths of biochemical explanations
quantitative data- objective
Scientific equipment- standardised, replicable
Weaknesses of biochemical explanations
Reductionist- enviro may be a contributing factor
Inference of the effect- cannot isolate certain parts of the brain
Decreased eco validity- not having delusion at the time of the scan
Aim for Gottensman
Examine how vulnerable the children of two parents with mental illness are to develop a mental illness themselves
Specifically children of parents with Sz and bipolar disorder
Sample for Gottensman
3.3 million Ps including offspring
Danish psychiatrist used ICD
Secondary data from database holding off about cohort or Danish population
Four groups for Gottensman
Couples who had both been admitted (+kids) who had Sz or bipolar disorder
Coupes where one person had been admitted
Neither parent had any mental illness
No data on diagnosis
Procedure for Gottensman
Data on each child linked to parents psychiatric history used Danish Civil registration
Quasi
IV- both parents, one parent or neither
DV- whether their offspring was diagnosed with mental illness
Result for Gottensman
- 3% children whose parents both had Sz developed Sz by 52
- 95% bipolar disorder by the time they were 52
- 2% risk of being diagnosed with any mental disorder
Strengths of Gottensman
Large sample- 3.3 million- population validity, representative
Quantitative
Weaknesses of Gottensman
Multiple versions of ICD- lacks internal validity
Ethnocentric- only Danish people
PECH statement on nature/nurture debate (strength)
P- supports nature side
E- two parents diagnosed with Sz= 67.5% of children developed a mental disorder
C- control development/offer therapy to try avoid complete disorder, early intervention
H- may not be changeable (e.g. childhood trauma- therapy may not be beneficial)
PECH statement on reductionist debate (weakness)
P- supports reductionist debate
E- doesn’t consider other factors (e.g. upbringing/education)
C- assuming can’t help as genetic
H- scientific= standardised
How do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work
Work by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed into presynaptic membrane after crossing synapse
Encourage more serotonin to be released by post-synaptic neurone
Then helps regulate serotonin levels
Which regulates DA and noradrenaline
=normal functioning of neurotransmitters
Research evidence for SSRIs
Beck found that Px depressive symptoms decrease by 20% when taking SSRIs
// relapse risk is significant when remission is achieved so Px are advised to continue medication up to 6 months after remission
More effective for severe depression (not useful for mild/moderate depression)
Strengths of biological treatments
Symptoms reduced- function better in every day life
Inexpensive in comparison to other therapy (e.g. talking therapy)
Easier and quicker than therapy
Weaknesses of biological treatment
Decrease adherence if there are lots of side effects
E.g. dizziness