Unit 3: Psychological Problems Flashcards
What is unipolar depression?
A type of mood disorder causing periods of feeling sad and a lack of motivation to complete simple everyday activities.
What are the symptoms of unipolar depression?
main symptoms:
- lowering of mood
- lack of energy even after resting for a long time
- lack of motivation to do things
other symptoms:
- significant changes in weight due to change in appetite
- changes in sleep habits (insomnia/hypersomnia)
- diminished ability (difficult to concentrate)
- suicidal ideation
What are the different episodes (severities) of depression?
mild, moderate, severe
mild: 4 symptoms (upsetting but still carry out activities
moderate: 5-6 symptoms (serious problems when completing everyday tasks)
severe: 7+ symptoms and worthlessness (suicidal thoughts/engagements in self harm
How does depression affect individuals and society?
individuals: suicidal ideations - feelings of worthlessness (suicide = only option), 10-15% of severe depression patients commit suicide.
society: time missed from work by patients (due to lack of motivation - difficult to get to work), being behind in work can add to guilt, cost implications for company (cover workload) and being a financial burden.
What are the twin studies?
Genetic Explanation of Depression
A study conducted by McGuffin to investigate the risk of the other twin getting depression if one already has it. Proving whether depression comes through genetics (some people have a genetic predisposition)
What are the two types of twins and the similarities of their genes?
Dizygotic Twins: not genetically identical (fraternal) as they are developed from 2 different eggs during the same pregnancy. Share 50% of genes as each other (same as normal siblings)
Monozygotic Twins: Genetically Identical as developed from 1 egg split into 2 during pregnancy. Share 100% of genes as each other
What are the percentages that one would get depression if their twin had it?
Monozygotic Twins: 46% likely (100% same genes)
Dizygotic Twins/Siblings: 20% (50% same genes)
Is depression genetic?
According to the twin studies yes it is. The more genes you share with your sibling/twin the higher chance you are to also get depression if they have it too. But it is not guaranteed they would because it is not 100% (therefore not only up to genes). Genes only add to the diathesis stress model/give genetic predisposition.
What is a genetic predisposition?
When one has a biological tendency to develop a particular behavior due to the genes they have (genetic vulnerability). Therefore those with a genetic predisposition would have a higher change to develop depression if family members have done.
What are the triggers for depression?
stressful situations:
bullies, relationship issues, death of loved one (grief)
What is the diathesis stress model?
A model which shows that those with a genetic predisposition will only get depression with a trigger. That without an encounter they wouldn’t get it. Also those with a biological tendency need less of a trigger to push them off the edge and get depression, while those without can take a lot of stamina before they feel depressed.
What are the strengths of the genetic explanation?
It removes stigma if it is inherited by genes as it is not their fault - therefore they shouldn’t feel shame. They also wouldn’t be embarrassed to go get help/diagnosed.
Theres also lots of empirical evidence to prove this theory - twin studies (Caspi 2003)
Is depression inherited?
Depression is not solely inherited because if it were the rate for monozygotic twins would be 100% and not 46%. As they have identical genes. Therefore there must be other factors such as stressful environments etc.
What are the weaknesses of the genetic explanation?
It is deterministic - convincing that if you have those genes you will get depression (nothing you can do to change that) although some beg to differ. Some have free will - they can choose whether they let themselves become depressed.
It is reductionist - fails to encounter other factors which can give you depression. (tragic events, environment, stress, workload.)
What is stigma?
The feeling of shame/embarrassment in themselves one gets for having a mental disorder. Putting the blame on themselves.
What are some stressful life events?
workload, exams, societal expectations.
What was the aim of Caspi (2003)?
To investigate the role of stressful life events in depression. Why it works for some people and not others.
Whether those with stressful life events were more prone to depression with a certain variation of the 5-HTT gene.
What is the 5-HTT gene?
A gene which links to the amount of serotonin released in the brain.
There are two lengths of the aleal in the gene.
What were the 3 groups in Caspi’s procedure?
Group 1: Two copies of short aleal (17% of participants)
Group 2: One copy of short aleal and one copy of long aleal (51% of participants)
Group 3: Two copies of long aleal (31% of participants)
What was the procedure for Caspi (2003)?
Each participants completed a questionnaire about major life events from 21-26 years old.
About money, health , relationships etc. He used the quantitative data to create a depression score.
How many participants were in Caspi’s study?
847 members (who have been studied since birth)
What type of study was Caspi’s?
Longitudinal Study - done over a long period of time.
What were the results of Caspi’s study?
Those with 2 short 5-HTT with more stressful life events between 21-26 years old showed an increase in symptoms of depression after stressful events until they were 26.
They are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than those with 2 long aleals. They are also more likely to develop suicidal thoughts after 3 stressful events.
However those with 2 short aleals and no stressful events may not develop depression.
What is the conclusion of Caspi’s study?
There is an interaction between genetic influences and life events. Nature and nurture work together to increase the likelihood of develop depression (you need both)
What are the strengths of Caspi’s study?
Large sample size - generalisable results. A larger variety is more accurate and reliable.
Useful for doctors as they know causes for symptoms and is also time/cost restraints.
What are the weaknesses of Caspi’s Study?
The data is self reported through the questionnaires therefore it is unreliable as some may exaggerate/tone down their symptoms and be untruthful.
What is a cognitive process?
All the processes that happen in your mind. How we think.
What is the cognitive theory?
An explanation of depression focusing on the influence of though processes on behaviour.
Do faulty/irrational thoughts influence our behaviour and help develop depression?
What is Beck’s Cognitive Triad?
A negative triad which develops through past bad experiences.
A negative view of ourself leads to a negative view of the future which leads to a negative view of the world. A constant cycle which makes you think irrationally about everything. Those with all 3 views are likely to get depression.
What is magnification?
Seeing problems far worse than in reality.
Which can happen if you are in a negative triad.
What happened between Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck?
They both worked together to make a cognitive theory model but they parted because they couldn’t agree. Ellis’ believed that there must be an activating event that causes your depressing symptoms. But Beck didn’t believe that.
What is Ellis’ ABC model?
That during an event you can choose to have rational thoughts about it or irrational thoughts.
Rational thoughts: positive emotional consequences
Irrational thoughts: negative emotional consequences (depression)
What are the strengths of the cognitive theory?
Takes into account life events (makes people feel heard) leading to a more personalised session/treatment.
Combines nature and nurture - more holistic approach. Not just about biological factors but general life events that shape us to be the way we are.
Can be applied to CBT as it challenges irrational thoughts to decrease the need for antidepressants.
What are the weaknesses of the cognitive theory?
difficult to tell whether irrational thoughts are the cause or symptom of depression. (can’t test scientifically)
not all cases of depression need a activating event as there isn’t always a trigger and your thought processes can’t be explained.
for example post partum depression is due to change in hormones (biological factors) and not thought processes.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
A type of therapy used to trat mental health disorders (cognitively)
What does CBT do?
Help patients change the way they think.
What are the stages of CBT?
First Stage: Discussing symptoms with therapist (finding the cause)
Subsequent Stage: Therapists challenge the irrational ways of thinking - replacement of negative thoughts.
Series of sessions followed by ‘homework’
Homework: Providing a rebuttal to an irrational thought - practicing rational thoughts by being self aware. (worksheets, journaling etc.)
What are the strengths of CBT as a treatment of depression?
Evidence to prove effectiveness: Matthijs Beltman (2010) proved CBT improved symptoms more than antidepressants or those waiting for treatment.
Longer lasting treatment than medication as patients learn long-term skills to control symptoms with their thoughts.
What are the types of treatments for mental health disorder?
CBT and Drug Therapy
What are the weaknesses of CBT?
Symptoms of depression are lack of motivation. And the effectiveness of CBT relies on the effort the patient puts in. Patients with a lack of motivation might not will to complete homework/attend sessions.
It may be unethical as therapists may abuse their power and tell patients that their thought processes are the problem and change their behaviour to what the therapist thinks is ‘normal/appropriate’
What are the types of antidepressants?
SSRI’s, SNRI’s, MAOI’s, TCA’s
