Interactionist Explanation For Schizophrenia

Question 1

Interactionist approach

Answer 1

Approach acknowledges that a range of biological, psychological and societal factors are involved in the development of SCZ

Question 2

Diathesis stress model

Answer 2

SCZ is a result of both an underlying genetic vulnerability and an environmental trigger. Both are necessary for the onset of SCZ

Question 3

Meehl’s diathesis stress model

Answer 3

•diathesis is entirely genetics - if a person doesn’t have it no amount of stress will lead to SCZ

Question 4

Modern understanding of diathesis

Answer 4

Polygenic - many genes increase risk (RIPKE)
• includes many psych factors - trauma which becomes diathesis rather than stressor
READ - neurodevelopmental mode in which early trauma alters the developing brain
HPA system can become overactive making a person more vulnerable to stress

Original model included only psychological stress - modern includes environmental factors as triggers
• Cannabis use: increases risk up to 7 times by interfering with dopamine system
• Living in a highly urbanised environment:
VASSOS - risk of SCZ in urban environment is estimated to be 2.4 times higher than rural - due to adverse living conditions

Treatment - combining both drug therapies and CBT is most effective
TERRIER - patients with combined treatment significantly improve compared to those just having one