Psychopathology Flashcards
(49 cards)
5HT1-D beta
Candidate gene that may be involved in the development of OCD
OCD is Polygenic
OCD is not caused by a single gene, but that several genes are involved
Diathesis-Stress Model
People gain vulnerability to OCD through genes but an environmental stressor is also required. This could be a stressful event (e.g. a bereavement)
Taylor (2013)
Analysed findings of previous studies and found evidence that up to 230 different genes may be involved in OCD
OCD is Aetiologically Heterogenous
the origin of OCD has different causes
Lewis (1936)
Observed his OCD patients
37% had parents with OCD
21% had siblings with OCD
Suggests that OCD runs in families and genetic vulnerability is passed on, not the certainty of OCD
Psychopathology
the study of the causes of psychological diseases
Statistical Deviation
occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic (e.g. being more depressed of less intelligent than most of the population)
Deviation from Social Norms
concerns behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society (e.g. anti-social personality disorder)
Strengths of Statistical Deviation
The mathematical nature of this definition means that it is clear what is defined as abnormal and what is not. There is no opinion involved which means there is no bias.
Statistical infrequency is often used in clinical practice to assess and diagnose an individual’s symptoms. A diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder requires an IQ of below 70 (bottom 2%). A diagnosis of severe depression using the Beck depression inventory is a score of 30+ (top 5%)
Weakness of Statistical Deviation
Characteristics classified as abnormal such as an IQ above 130 or a very low depression score on the BDI can actually be positive and desirable. This suggests statistical deviation alone is no a sufficient method of defining abnormality.
Strength of Deviation from Social Norms
Deviation from social norms is also used in clinical practice. When diagnosing anti-social personality disorder, characteristics of the disorder, such as recklessness, aggression, and deceitfulness are all deviations from social norms. The definition has value in psychiatry.
In most instances, if you have lived within a culture for a long time, you will be aware of what is, and what is not acceptable.
Weakness of Deviation from Social Norms
Social norms vary across cultures which means it can be difficult to judge deviation from social norms in different cultures
Failure to Function Adequately
occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day-to-day life (e.g. nutrition, hygiene, ability to hold down a job or maintain relationships)
Rosenham and Seligman (1989)
- unpredictability
- maladaptive behaviour
- personal distress
- irrationality
- observer discomfort
- violation of moral standards
- unconventionality
(all are subjective)
Intellectual Disability Disorder
very low IQ (below 70)
diagnosis not made on this basis only, an individual must also be failing to function adequately
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health
Marie Jahoda (1958)
we are in good mental health if:
- no symptoms or distress
- rational and can perceive ourselves accurately
- self-actualise (reach our potential)
- can cope with stress
- have a realistic view of the world
- good self-esteem and lack guily
- independent of other people
- can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure
Strengths of Failure to Function Adequately
This definition is focused to the individual and how they are managing in everyday life from their perspective, so if someone feels as though they are struggling they will be deemed abnormal and will get help
Weakness of Failure to Function Adequately
As the focus is on how well someone is coping, it may mean that some abnormal behaviour is missed. People may appear fine to others as they fit into society and have jobs and homes, but they may have distorted thinking which is causing them inner distress that they hide
Strength of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
Included a range of criteria from which we can assess ourselves and others. It covers most of the reasons why a person might seek help with their mental health. Mental health can be discussed meaningfully with a range of professionals who may focus on different aspects (e.g. a psychiatrist may focus on symptoms and a humanistic counsellor may focus on self-actualisation)
Weakness of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
The criteria outlined by Jahoda makes ideal mental health practically impossible to achieve. This can be disheartening and also means that the majority of the population, using this definition, would be abormal
Phobia
an irrational fear of an object or stimulation
Behavioural
ways in which people act
