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Psychopathology Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 4 definitions of psychopathology

A
  • deviation from social norms
  • failure to function adequately
  • statistical infrequency
  • deviation from ideal mental health
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2
Q

Describe deviation from social norms and example

A

A persons thinking it behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates the unwritten rules about what is expected or acceptable behaviour in a particular social group . Their behaviour may be incomprehensible to others or make them feel threatened or uncomfortable

Eg it is cloning in Southern Europe to stand much closer to strangers than in the U.K.

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3
Q

Evaluations of deviation from social norms

A

Strengths

  • developmental norms , it establishes what behaviours are normal for diffrent ages
  • social dimensions to abnormality , which offers an alternative to sick in the head individuals
  • protects society , it seeks to protect society from the effects that an individuals abnormal behaviour can have in others

Weaknesses

  • cultural differences , social norms are different across and within cultures therefore it is difficult to establish when they are broken
  • subjective , social norms tend to be based in the opinion of the ruling elites in society rather than the majority therefore they are not real
  • change over time , vary in time has diffrent opinions eg homosexuality
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4
Q

Define failure to function adequately

A

A person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life. They may be unable to perform the behaviours necessary for day to day living

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5
Q

Failure to function adequately

-rosenhan and seligman suggested that personal dysfunction has seven features. The more a person has the more likely they are to be classed as abnormal

What are the features of dysfunction and the description

A

Personal distress - a key feature of abnormality this includes depression and anxiety disorders

Maladaptive behaviours- behaviours stopping an individual achieving their goals

Unpredictability - unexpected behaviours characterised by loss of control

Irrationality - behaviour that cannot be explained in a rational way

Observer discomfort - behaviour causing discomfort to others

Violation of moral standards- behaviour violating society’s moral standards

Unconventionality- unconventional behaviours

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6
Q

What’s the global assessment of functioning scale

A

Clinicians asses how individuals cope with everyday life by using the GAF

This rates their functioning in the areas of social, occupational and psychological

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7
Q

Evaluations of failure to function adequately

A

Strengths
-personal perspective is recognised , this means that mental disorders can be regarded from the perception of the individuals suffering from them

  • observable behaviours , it focuses on observable behaviours and therefore allows judgements by others as to whether individuals are functioning properly
  • asses the degree of abnormality by using the GAF

Limitations

  • normal abnormality , there are times in people’s lives when it is normal to suffer distress , e.g. When a loved one does grieving is a psychologically healthy process , the definition does not consider this
  • cultural differences
  • abnormality does not always mean dysfunction
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8
Q

Describe statistical infrequency

A

Behaviours that are statistically rare should be seen as abnormal

And is shown on the normal distribution curve

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9
Q

Evaluations of statistical infrequency

A

Strengths
-objective , once a way of collecting the data about a behaviour has been agreed , it becomes an objective way of deciding who is abnormal

  • no judgements can be made on the behaviour, no negative labelling on behaviour, you are simply called rare or infrequent rather than viewed negatively
  • it can be used to gain assistance , it is obvious when you need help if your in the category , there’s a clear way of establishing

Limitations

  • not all infrequent behaviours are abnormal , some characteristics are desired e.g. Extremely high IQ
  • where to draw the line ? , how should it be decided how far a behaviour should deviate from the norm for it to be seen as abnormal
  • cultural factors
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10
Q

Describe deviation from ideal mental health

A

It attempts to define an ideal state of mental health so that abnormality is defined by the absence of key characteristics . An early concept of ideal mental health was devised by jahoda

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11
Q

Whats the characteristics of ideal mental health and description ( jahoda)

A

Positive attitude towards self- linked to individuals self esteem

Self actualisation - being in a state of contentment feeling you have become the best you can be

Autonomy - being independent and able to look after yourself

Resisting stress- individuals should not be stressed and be able to cope with stressful situations

Accurate perception of reality - seeing life as it really is not in a way no one else perceives

Environmental mastery - being able to adjust to new environments

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12
Q

Evaluations of deviation from ideal mental health

A

Strengths

  • holistic , the definition considers an individual as a whole person rather than focusing on individual areas of their behaviour
  • facilitates goal setting
  • positive approach to mental health

Weaknesses

  • subjective criteria
  • over demanding criteria , most people do not meet all the ideals eg experiencing personal growth all the time , this would suggest that most people are abnormal . The criteria may be more relevant to ideals as opposed to actualities
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13
Q

Define phobias

A

An irrational fearful anxiety response to a specific object or situation

Are extreme feats that are disproportionate to the actual danger , the fear leads to an avoidance of the object / situation

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14
Q

Name examples of behavioural , cognitive , emotional symptoms of phobias

A

Behavioural - avoidance / anxiety response , efforts are made to avoid the feared objects because they cause high anxiety and this needs to be avoided
- disruption of functioning , interference with the ability to function everyday e.g. Work and socially

Cognitive - recognition of exaggerated anxiety , phobics realise their anxiety levels are overstated

Emotional - persistent excessive fear , phobics produce high levels of anxiety and immediate fear response is produced eg panic attacks

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15
Q

What are the 3 types of phobias

A

Specific phobias
Social phobias
Agoraphobia

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16
Q

Describe and give an example of specific phobias

A

Involves a strong fear and avoidance of a particular object or situation . When exposed the anxiety and panicked reaction so situation avoided

Eg 
Animals - snakes, spider 
Natural - heights 
Typical - choking 
Situational - aeroplane
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17
Q

Describe and give examples of social phobias

A

Feel anxious in social situations or when we have to perform in front of others , extreme fear of embarrassment , avoiding these situations

Eg
Specific situations - Public toilets
Generalised social phobia - speaking to authoritative figures , attending parties

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18
Q

Describe and give an example of agoraphobia

A

Fear of crowded public transport and public places and the feeling that you can escape caused from previous panic attacks

Eg shopping centres and transport

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19
Q

What are the explanations of behavioural explanations of phobias

A

Classical conditions

Operant conditioning

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20
Q

Describe classical conditioning as an explanation of phobia

A

Phobias can be acquired through classical conditioning. It can explain how we learn to associate something we do not fear (neutral stimulus ) for example a dog with something which triggers a fear for response ( unconditional stimulus) for example being bitten . After an association had formed the dog ( now conditioned stimulus ) causes a response of fear ( conditioned response ) and consequently we develop a phobia of dogs following a single incident of being bitten

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21
Q

Describe how operant conditioning is an explanation for phobia

A

Phobias can be negatively reinforced , this is where a behaviour is strengthened because an unpleasant consequence is removed . If a person with a phobia sees a dog whilst out walking , they might try to avoid the dog by crossing over the road, this avoidance reduces the persons feelings of anxiety and negatively reinforced their behaviour , making the person more likely to repeat this behaviour in the future . As a result a person will continue to avoid dogs and maintain their phobia

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22
Q

Phobias are initiated through ? And maintained through ?

A

Classical conditioning

Operant conditioning

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23
Q

Evaluations of the behavioural explanation of phobias

A

Strengths

  • supporting research , Watson little Albert shows that classical conditioning can induce fear and phobias
  • produces a definite cause for the phobic behaviour , this means that the explanation is highly scientific and helps to predict and control phobias e.g. Has helped to understand why a phobia is maintained
  • behavioural Therapies , based in the behaviourist explanation have been effective , they work to change the response to the stimulus

Weaknesses

  • contradictory research , davey found that only 7% of spider phobias recalled having a traumatic spider experience
  • other explanations , must be important otherwise all people with phobias would be able to link it back to a traumatic event
  • doesn’t explain traumatic even , all people who experienced a traumatic even would develop a phobia according flit this explanation
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24
Q

What are the two types of biological explanations of OCD

A

Genetic and neural

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25
Q

Describe the genetic explanation of OCD

A

It suggests that there is a genetic component to OCD that predisposes individuals to the illness , this has been found through the use of family and twin studies
Traits are passed from parent to offspring through gene transmission , behaviour can be explained in terms of hereditary and development . Also genetic mapping can be used , they don’t know what single gene causes it but there’s candidate genes

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26
Q

Research to support genetic theory

A

Grootheest
Reviewed twin studies on obsessive compulsive disorder , all the studies reported higher concordance rates for identical twins than for fraternal twins , however the concordance rates for identical twins were well short of 100% indicating that environmental factors are of major importance

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27
Q

Evaluation or genetic explanation of OCD

A

Strengths
-supporting research , twin and family studies have consistently found evidence for genetic factors, twin studies have good reliability because concordance rates are consistent across studies

weaknesses
- the sample size is small so generalisability is limited which means findings may not be representative

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28
Q

Describe neural explanations of OCD

A

Is related to low levels of serotonin . Drugs that increase serotonin levels appear to reduce OCD symptoms. Different areas of the brain have been implicated in OCD
Refers to regions of the brain structure such as neurons and neurotransmitters involved in sending message through the nervous system. One region of the brain , the prefrontal cortex is involved in decision making and the regulation of primitive aspects of our behaviour . An over active prefrontal cortex causes an exaggerated control of primal impulses causing obsessions and compulsions to continue

29
Q

Research to support the neural theory

A

HU

He compared people with OCD and people without OCD to compare serotonin level . People with OCD had lower seratonin levels

30
Q

Evaluation of the neural theory explanation or OCD

A

Strengths
-lead to effective drug treatment and reduces symptoms

Weaknesses

  • no clear way to show cause and effect
  • neurochemical explanation behaviour have been criticised for being overly simplistic
31
Q

Define obsessive compulsive disorder

A

An anxiety disorder characterised by persistent , recurrent , unpleasant thoughts and repetitive , ritualistic behaviour

A condition whereby a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours causing them anxiety

32
Q

What is an obsession (OCD)

A

Recurrent , intrusive through, ideas , images or impulses that an individual has great difficulty eliminating or resisting

Eg germs everywhere

33
Q

What is a compulsion (OCD)

A

Irresistible , repetitive physical or mental actions that people feel complied to carry out
Eg repeatedly checking that doors are locked

34
Q

Characteristics of obsessions

  • behavioural
  • emotional
  • cognitive
A

Behavioural

  • hinder everyday functioning
  • social impairment

Emotional
-extreme anxiety

Cognitive

  • recurrent and Persistent thoughts
  • realisation of inappropriateness
35
Q

Characteristics of compulsions

  • behavioural
  • emotional
  • cognitive
A

Behavioural

  • hinder everyday functioning
  • social impairment
  • repetitive

Emotional
-distress

Cognitive

  • realisation of inappropriateness
  • uncontrollable urges
36
Q

Describe systematic desenitization

A

Is a type of behavioural therapy based on the principle of classical conditioning , this therapy aims to remove the fear response of a phobia and substitute a relaxation response to the conditional stimulus

Clients and therapist work together to develop a fear hierarchy , where they rank the phobic situations from least to most terrifying

37
Q

Supporting research for systematic desensitization

A

McGrath el al
Found that 75% of patients with phobia were successfully tested using SD.

To treat a girl with specific noise phobias using systematic desensitisation.Lucy was taught breathing and imagery to relax,By the tenth and final session, Lucy’s fear thermometer scores had gone from 7/10 to 3/10 for balloon popping, from 9/10 to 3/10 for party poppers and from 8/10 to 5/10 for the cap gun.

Gilroy et al
Examined 42 patients with arachnophobia . Each patient was treated using SD . When examined 3 months and 33 months later the SD group were less fearful then a control group - further support for it to cure phobias

38
Q

Evaluations of systematic desensitisation

A

Weaknesses

  • ethical considerations as there is risk of psychological harm to patient if it is not effective
  • mainly suitable for patients who are able to learn and use relaxation strategies and who have vivid enough imaginations to conjure up images of feared objects , therefore may be limited to the number of phobic patients
  • not effective in treating all phobias. Patients with phobias which have not developed through a personal experience some psychologists believe that certain phobias like heights have evolutionary survival benefits and are not the result of personal experience

Strengths

  • behavioural therapies in general are quick and require less effort on the part of the patient compared to other psychological therapies where the patient play a more active part in treatment
  • it is suitable for a diverse range of patients and more ethically compared with flooding which could explain why patients prefer this behavioural treatments
  • supporting research (gilroy et al ) it shows that it is helpful in reducing the anxiety in spiders phobias and the effects are long lasting
39
Q

Describe flooding

A

Is a form of behaviour therapy base in the principles of respondent conditioning , it is sometimes referred to as exposure therapy or prolonged exposure therapy

Exposed them to their worst fears

40
Q

Supporting research of flooding

A

Joseph Wolpe

Took a girl who was scared of cars and drove her around for 4 hours . At fort she was hysterical but she calmed from when she realised that she was no longer in danger . Afterwards her phobia disappeared

41
Q

Evaluation of flooding

A

Limitations

  • it can be dangerous , it is not an appropriate treatment for every phobia. It should be used with caution as Kane people can actually increase their fear after therapy and it is not possible to predict when this will occur
  • some people will not be able to tolerate the high levels of anxiety induced by the therapy , and therefore at risk of exiting the therapy before they are calm and relaxed, this is a problem as exiting treatment before completion is likely to strengthen rather than weaken the phobia

Strength

  • in general flooding produced results as effective as systematic desensitisation
  • the success of the method confirms the hypothesis that phobias are so persistent because the object is avoided in real life and is therefore not extinguished by the discovery that it is harmless
42
Q

What are the treatments for OCD

A

Behavioural
Psychodynamic
Drug
Cognitive

43
Q

Describe behavioural treatments for OCD

A

The most successful form of behavioural treatment of obsessive—compulsive disorder is
a technique called exposure and response prevention (ERP), sometimes called exposure
and ritual prevention (Meyer 1966). ERP can be used both by flooding, where the anxiety
is very high, and by systematic desensitisation, where anxiety levels are kept low through
gradual exposure. ERP focuses on the compulsive behaviour rather than the obsessive
thoughts, and is not used with people who have only obsessive thoughts or images.
Exposure and response prevention deliberately exposes clients to objects or situations
that cause anxiety and requires the client to resist performing the compulsive behav-
iour. The role of the therapist is to help the person develop ways in which they can
resist performing the compulsive behavioural.

44
Q

Evaluation of behavioural treatments for OCD

A

Strengths of behavioural treatments of OCD

  • A strength of behavioural treatments for treating OCD is that there is evidence that supports the
    treatment as being effective. Eddy et al (2004) camed out a meta analysis and found that
    behaviour therapy exposure and response prevention is more effective than cognitive
    treatments or cognitive behavioural therapy.
  • It is a multi-dimensional approach. When it it combined with other treatments then it is more
    effective, research shows that adding drug therapy to exposure and response prevention can
    persuade more patients to persevere with behavioural therapy because the drugs help reduce
    the anxiety caused by the technique.
  • Valid basis for therapy. Patients with OCD have maladaptive ritualised behaviours and so the
    focus on preventing these, and at the same time extinguishing the fear response, is appropriate.
    Exposure and response prevention therapy demonstrate to patients that it is possible to control
    and to reduce the anxiety they experience when confronting distressing situations.

Weaknesses of behavioural treatments of OCD

-Ethical issues- Exposure therapy with prevention is anxiety-provoking and can be distressing for
patients.
This can lead to a high drop-out rate and questions the appropriateness of the therapy because
some would
argue it is unethical for therapists to create such high levels of anxiety in vulnerable patients.
-Individual differences- The therapy isn’t suitable for all patients with OCD because it can be
used with patients suffering from substance abuse, active psychosis, or who have thoughts of
committing
suicide
-Doesnt treat the obsessions-Exposure and response
prevention therapy focuses more on compulsions than on obsessions suggesting that this form of
may be less appropriate for patients whose symptoms consist mainly of obsessions.

45
Q

Describe the psychodynamic treatment for OCD

A

The treatment aims to provide insight into what is
unconsciously causing symptoms of OCD and it requires
clients to confront their fears. In order to do this, ego defence
mechanisms have to be lifted to expose the unconscious fears.
Free association The patient is encouraged to relax and say
anything and everything that comes into their mind, no matter
how bad or random it is. The whole point is that the ego will
be unable to carry out its normal role of keeping check of the
threatening unconscious impulses, and the conflict can be
brought to consciousness. Once verbalised the therapist can
interpret and explain the cause of the anxiety.

46
Q

Evaluations of psychodynamic treatments for OCD

A

.
Strength:
It attempts to find the cause of the problem not just treat the
symptoms
The treatments are still widely used today to try and treat
OCD
Weaknesses:
Psychoanalyses is expensive and time consuming often taking
years to complete
They are generally seen to be ineffective when treating
anxiety disorders

47
Q

Describe drug treatments for OCD

A

Drug treatment is a biological treatment that aims to alter the chemical levels in the brain; this means they
act to raise or lower neurotransmitter levels or to have them increase or decrease in reactivity (become
more excitory or inhibitory). In the case of OCD there are different drugs that target neurotransmitters such
as dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin; serotonin being the chemical targeted the most (2)
The standard medical treatment used to tackle OCD involves a type of antidepressant drug called a selective
serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI). This drug blocks the reuptake of the serotonin neurotransmitters at the
synapse (back into the pre-synaptic neuron) and as a result the levels of serotonin in the brain are increased.
The time it takes SSRls to start to have an effect is around 3 months and the drug is usually taken daily.
(Some research has shown effect at 4 weeks!)
The dosage of SSRls administered will depend on the specific SSRI and the individual patient however if low
levels are not having an effect they will be increased. Therefore, the dosage usually ranges from 20-60mg.
SSRIS are not the only type of drug treatment used. They are usually the first to be used but if ineffective
alternative anti-depressants may be used such as tricyclics. Tricyclics still target serotonin but have more
severe side effects than SSRIS.
10
The effectiveness of drug treatment for OCD is supported by research; Julien found 50-80% of OCD cases
showed improvement of symptoms when using drug treatment/ Soomro found SSRls significantly better
than placebos in 17 studies of treating OCD.
Although drugs are successful, the most effective treatment of OCD is a combination with other treatments

48
Q

Evaluations of drug treatments for OCD

A

The effectiveness of drug treatment for OCD is supported by research; Julien found 50-80% of OCD cases
showed improvement of symptoms when using drug treatment/ Soomro found SSRls significantly better
than placebos in 17 studies of treating OCD.
Although drugs are successful, the most effective treatment of OCD is a combination with other treatments
for example CBT
In addition, research supporting drug treatment can be challenged as the research is often funded by drug
companies who may be biased in the findings that they publish. They may omit results that do not support
the drug as this could result in them losing income.
Despite this drug treatments such as SSRls are a cheaper option for treating OCD compared to psychological
therapies as they take less time to have an effect and do not require a trained therapist. This can take the
strain of treatment off the NHS because using drugs is easy for the patient and doesn’t require the same
levels of motivation that psychological therapies need. (2)
Having said this they usually take at least 4 weeks to have an effect (to see a reduction in symptoms) and
usually it is longer, therefore perhaps increasing the chemical levels such as serotonin alone is not that
influential; perhaps during that time the individual has adopted other ways to overcome the OCD.
In addition, research suggests that although drug treatment does reduce symptoms of OCD, symptoms do
not completely disappear showing that other treatment may be needed to completely overcome OCD
Unfortunately, drug treatment for OCD can have negative side effects. For example, individuals can
experience indigestion, loss of vision and sex drive. For those taking tricyclics, the side effects are more
serious for example erection problems, tremors, weight gain and aggressiveness.
Drug treatment has been criticised for not tackling the root cause of the OCD rather, it treats the symptoms
alone. Alternative treatments such as psychoanalysis will use free association and dream analysis to reveal
the root cause. Another comparison e.g. cognitive or psychosurgery…(2)

49
Q

Describe cognitive treatments for OCD

A

DESCRIPTION
It attempts to change conscious thought processes in two ways:
- helping people to understand that they are misinterpreting their thoughts.
This includes thinking that the thought will become and actual behaviour and feeling
guilty.
-making people aware of how to neutralise obsessive thoughts by attempting to
make amends for having these thoughts.
It replaces unrealistic thoughts with more realistic habits .
Another technique is habituation training. The client is asked to think repeatedly
about their obsessive thoughts to make their obsessions less anxiety raising.

50
Q

Evaluate cognitive treatments for OCD

A

STRENGTHS OF THE TREATMENT.
75% of people suffering from OCD which have used this treatment have been
significantly improved. There is a lot of evidence which supports it
No harm or side effects are caused to the patient. There are no risks.
Cognitive treatment is the treatment of choice for health institutes and specialist
centres due to its effectiveness.
This approach is highly structured.it involves the therapist and client collaborating
on treatment goals which are specific , measurable , achievable , time limited and
realistic making success more likely.

WEAKNESSES OF THE TREATMENT
It is not clear which element of the therapy is the most effective. Any change in the
patients OCD may be effected by other factors such as life style change. It is likely
that factors such as lifestyle changes may occur due to the benefits of the therapy.
The therapy can be uncomfortable for some people as the therapy may not be
affective for people with more complex mental health issues or for those with
learning difficulties. It still has a high success rate so is still suited for most clients
and is more effective than other treatments.

51
Q

Define depression

A

A mood disorder characterised by feeling of despondency and hopelessness

52
Q

What are the two types of depression

A

Unipolar depression

Bipolar depression

53
Q

How would you diagnose depression

A

At least 5 symptoms need to be present everyday for 2 weeks . In addition there must be impairment in general functioning that cannot be explained by any medical conditions or events , for major depression one of the five symptoms must be constant depressed mood or lessened interest in daily activities

54
Q

Behavioural , emotional and cognitive characteristics of unipolar depression

A 
Behavioural 
Loss of energy 
Social impairment 
Poor concentration 
Sleep problems 
Emotional 
Loss of enthusiasm 
Worthlessness 
Sadness 
Angry 
Guilt 
Cognitive 
Poor memory 
Delusions 
Poor concentration 
Poor self esteem 
Thoughts of suicide
55
Q

Behavioural , emotional and cognitive characteristics of bipolar depression

A

Behavioural
High levels of energy
Talkative
Reckless behaviours

Emotional
Elevated mood states
Irritability
Lack of guilt

Cognitive
Irrational though process
Delusions/ hallucinations

56
Q

Who are the two theorists for the cognitive explanations of depression

A

Becks

Ellis

57
Q

The cognitive explanation of depression assumes that

A

Depression is caused by people thinking in negative and self defeating ways

58
Q

Describe becks theory

A

Beck’* Theory
Becks (1976, 1987, 1990) research and clinical observauons have led him to believe that negative
thinking rather than underlying conflicts or fewer positive reinforcements, lie at the heart of
unipolar depression.
He believes that depressed people are filled with negativity about themselves, their situation and
the future.
He believes that 1, Maladaptive attitudes 2, The cognitive triad 3, Automatic thoughts 4. Errors in
thinking all combine to produce this negativity.

Maladaptive attitudes
Beck believes that children’s attitudes towards themselves are and the world is based on their own
experiences, family relationships and the judgements of others around them. Some children
develop negative attitudes which are used as templates that the child uses to evaluate every
experience.

The cognitive triad
Beck believes that a negative cognitive structure develops in childhood. This may lie dormant for
years as long as life runs smoothly. However, a traumatic situation can trigger negative thinking.
This thinking takes 3 forms; he named this the cognitive triad. He believed depressed people view
1, Themselves
2, Their future
3, Their world
In negative ways which lead them to feel depressed.

Automatic thoughts
Beck believed that depressed people experience the cognitive triad in the form of automatic
thoughts: this is a train of unpleasant thoughts that remind the person of their hopelessness.

Errors in thinking
Beck proposed that people develop schemas during childhood and adolescence. Schemas are
mental rules that govern the way we see the world, they guide our behaviour- For example you Will
have a mental rule about the use of drugs that will affect whether you are tempted to try them ov
not. According to Beck, people become depressed as they have developed negative schemas.
A person may develop negative schemas as a result of bad experiences with parents, family
members or peers.

59
Q

Becks theory

Name 4 types of negative thinking

A

Selective attention - paying attention to the negative and ignoring the positive

catastrophising- worst will happen in a given situation

Selective abstraction - conclusions drawn from just one part of a disruption

Overgeneralisation - sweeping conclusions drawn from the basis of a single event

60
Q

Describe Ellis ABC model

A

Ellis’ Model
Ellis proposed the A-B-C three stage model, to explain how irrational thoughts could lead to

A: Activating Event
An event occurs, for example, you pass a friend in the corridor at school and he/she ignores you,
despite the fact you said ‘hello’

B: Beliefs
Your belief is your interpretation of the event, which can either be rational or irrational. A rational
interpretation of the event might be that your friend is very busy and possibly stressed, and he/she
simply didn’t see or hear you. An irrational interpretation of the event might be that you think your
friend dislikes you and never wants to talk to you again.

C: Consequences
According to Ellis, rational beliefs lead to healthy emotional outcomes (for example, will talk to my
friend later and see if he/she is okay), whereas irrational beliefs lead to unhealthy emotional
outcomes, including depression (for example, I will ignore my friend and delete their mobile
number, as they clearly don’t want to talk to me).

The above example illustrates how an activating event — a friend not greeting you in the corridor
can be rationally or irrationally interpreted. Irrational thinking or interpretations lead to unhealthy
outcomes, for example depression, whereas rational and logical thoughts lead to good mental
health and happiness.

61
Q

Evaluations of cognitive theories

A

Strengths
- Beck’s theory supported by research: Beck (1976) investigated the schemas used by people with depression. He asked a group of depressed people and a group of non- depressed people to complete the dysfunctional attitude scale (DAS). It includes statements
that the individual has to agree or disagree with e.g. “people will think less of me if I make a
mistake” People with depression scored higher, indicating they thought more negatively
about events/situations. He concluded people diagnosed with depression use more
negative schemas.
- the explanation has resulted in effective cognitive therapy for the treatment of depression eg rational emotive behaviour therapy , this is a strength because it helps suffered to change their irrational beliefs and replace them with rational alternatives

Limitations

  • the explanations are not as successful in explaining that irrational/ negative thinking is often a healthy response and doesn’t not always lead to depression
  • it is not clear where the irrational thoughts come from meaning that it is difficult to determine whether negative and irrational thoughts cause depression or whether depression leads to irrational thoughts
  • not everyone has an activating event
  • reductionist , biology ?
62
Q

describe what drug treatments do for depression and the three types

A

increases serotonin

  • monoamine oxidase inhibitors
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
  • tricyclic antidepressants
63
Q

advantages of drug treatment for depression

A
  • successful in reducing depression in more than half of its patients
  • widely used and effective , but combined with therapy
  • only treat symptoms not the cause of it
  • ethical issues “ chemical straightjacket “
  • side effects
64
Q

what is CBT

A

-is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave
-teaches coping skills for dealing with different problems
-15-16 week course
-set goals
-combines cognitive and behaviour therapy
-keep a diary and can have homeworks
-

65
Q

evaluations of CBT

A
  • useful and practical strategy’s to use after treatment in everyday activities
  • empowers pateints and make them feel like theyre in charge and therefore more ethical than drug
  • time consuming ( high drop out rates ) and needs to be combined with other therapy eg drugs
    -relies on client to be motivates
    -
66
Q

research supporting cognitive treatment of depression

A

hollon
method - people with moderate to severe depression were given either drug therapy or cognitive therapy. those given therapy received treatment for 16 weeks and then treatment was terminated. both groups were followed up over a period of one year

results - relapse rates for people who had cognative therapy were 40%
those on drug therapy showed a relapse rate of 45%
people given a placebo instead of drugs showed a relapse of 80%

67
Q

Research for drug treatment on OCD

A

Julien

50-80% is OCD cases showed improvement of symptoms when OCD drugs used

68
Q

research for behavioural treatments for OCD

A

eddy et al gathered that meta analysis and found that behaviour therapy exposure and response prevention id more effective than cognitive treatments or cognitive behavioural therapy

Psychology (7 decks)

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