Interactionist Approach to Explaining and Treating Schizophrenia Flashcards
(14 cards)
What does the interactionist approach recognize about schizophrenia?
It recognizes that schizophrenia is a complex disorder with multiple contributing factors, rather than a single cause.
What is the Diathesis-Stress Model?
A widely accepted interactionist explanation proposing that schizophrenia develops due to a diathesis (vulnerability) and a stress (trigger).
What is meant by ‘diathesis’ in the Diathesis-Stress Model?
Diathesis refers to vulnerability, which can be genetic, biological (e.g. birth complications), or psychological (e.g. childhood trauma).
What is meant by ‘stress’ in the Diathesis-Stress Model?
Stress refers to triggers that can be environmental (e.g. cannabis use, family dysfunction) or psychological (e.g. coping with trauma).
When does schizophrenia emerge according to the Diathesis-Stress Model?
The disorder only emerges when both vulnerability and stress interact.
What is a strength of the interactionist explanation regarding twin studies?
MZ twins have higher concordance rates than DZ twins, suggesting both genetic and environmental factors play a role.
How does the interactionist model explain symptom diversity in schizophrenia?
It accounts for different combinations of vulnerabilities and triggers, explaining diverse symptom patterns.
What is a limitation of the interactionist explanation?
It lacks mechanistic detail and does not explain how diathesis and stress interact to produce specific symptoms.
What is a practical application of the interactionist approach to treatment?
It has led to the use of combined treatments (e.g. drugs + CBT) that address multiple causes.
What does the interactionist approach to treatment reflect?
It reflects that multiple causes require multiple treatments.
What combination of therapies does the interactionist approach to treatment suggest?
It suggests a combination of antipsychotic medication and CBT or family therapy.
What is a strength of the interactionist approach to treating schizophrenia?
Research shows that combined treatments result in fewer relapses, better social functioning, and higher treatment compliance.
What is a limitation of the interactionist approach to treatment?
It may not work for everyone, as some patients may interpret side effects delusionally, leading to distrust in therapy.
What is another limitation regarding the accessibility of combined treatments?
Combined treatments can be costly and less accessible, requiring trained therapists, time, and funding.
