Psychopathology Flashcards

Question

Ellis’ REBT - Aim

Answer 1

The ABC model now includes D (dispute) and E (effect) Like beck, the main idea is to challenge irrational thoughts however this is achieved through dispute (argument)

Answer 2

Logical - Does it make sense to think this way? Empirical - Is there evidence for this thought/belief? Pragmatic - Is this thinking useful/helpful to life?

Answer 3

March et al examined 327 adolescents with a depression diagnosis After 36 weeks 81% of both the group who had CBT treatment and the group who took antidepressants has significantly improved CBT is as effective as antidepressants in treating depression Keller looked at recovery rates from depression with drugs along, CBT alone or both Results: -55% drugs alone -52% CBT alone -85% when used together CBT is more effective when used with drugs

Answer 4

1) Requires motivation - those with severe depression may not be able to attend sessions therefore it will be ineffective for them, antidepressants do not require the same level motivation and thus CBT cannot be used as the main or solo treatment for severely depressed patients 2) Overemphasis on cognition - someone in a domestic abusive relationship does not need to change irrational or negative beliefs, they need a change of circumstance. Therefore CBT would be inadequate until that has changed 3) Success of CBT - may not be due to beck or ellis’ techniques Rosenzweig argued that the relationship between the client and therapist is most important, having someone to talk to is he most crucial component in positive outcomes This viewpoint is evidence when studies by Luborsky show that there is little difference between CBT and methods of psychotherapy

Answer 5

Anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive obsessions followed by repetitive compulsions or urges

Answer 6

Variation of the COMT gene - regulates dopamine however in people with OCD it results in much higher levels of it SERT gene - linked to the transportation of serotonin, in people with OCD there are issues with this leading to lower levels of serotonin Ozaki - results from two unrelated families who both had mutations of the SERT gene coincidentally 6 out of 7 family members had OCD showing the role this mutation plays in onset of OCD

Answer 7

Lower serotonin Evidence by piggott - drugs which increase level of serotonin in the synaptic gap are effective in treating patients with OCD Dopamine associated with compulsions

Answer 8

Basal ganglia - involved in processes such as the coordination of movement People who suffer head injuries here develop OCD-like symptoms Orbitofrontal cortex - converts sensory information into thoughts and actions. It is suggested that in patients with OCD this increases the conversion of information to actions which results in compulsions

Answer 9

Research evidence from family studies. Lewis - 37% of patients with OCD had parents with the disorder and 21% had siblings. Further supported by Nestadt who proposed that individuals who have a first degree relative with OCD are up to 5 times more likely to develop the disorder compared to the general population However there are alternative explainations such as the two-process model. This suggests learning could play a crucial role thru classical conditioning (ie dirt paired with anxiety). This would be maintained thru operant conditioning where the stimulus is avoided to remove anxiety. This ultimately results in the compulsions eg washing hands which serves to remove the anxiety Support for the learning explanation is found in the success of behavioural treatments for OCD where symptoms improved for 60-90% of adults (Albucher)

Answer 10

Choy and Schneier - SSRIs such as prozac are the preferred treatment option for OCD. They reduce anxiety These increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic cleft which in turn improves the concentration of serotonin at the receptor sites on the post synaptic neurone

Answer 11

Benzodiazepines enhance the action of GABA GABA stops the firing of neurons in the brain (around 40% of neurons in the brain respond to this) This has a quietening affect on the brain which consequently reduces anxiety When GABA locks on to receptor sites chloride ions are released into the neuron, this makes it more difficult for the receiving neuron to be stimulated by further neurotransmitters, thus slowing the nervous system down and making the patient feel more relaxed

Answer 12

Drug treatments are criticised for treating the symptoms but not the cause Once a patient stops taking the drug, they are prone to relapse Koran - psychological treatments such as CBT may be a more effective long-term solution to provide a lasting treatment and potentially cure More effective for those who’s condition is perhaps more severe. Psychological treatments such as CBT require a patient to be engaged whereas drugs are non disruptive to everyday life, meaning they tend to be more beneficial for patients who lack the motivation to complete intense psychological treatments Soomro - SSRIs were significantly more effective than placebos in the treatment of OCD across 17 different trials supporting the use of biological treatments for OCD. However criticised for only concluding short term effectiveness

Psychopathology Flashcards

(36 cards)