Psychopathology Essay Plans

Question 1

Discuss cognitive approach to treating depression
6 AO1

Answer 1

• initial assessment to identify problems and goals
• identify irrational thoughts, work to change them
• most therapists use Becks CBT and Ellis REBT
• beck negative triad, challenge negative thoughts. Homework, empirical and logical argument
• Ellis ABCDE: dispute over irrational beliefs to break link of negative events and depression

Question 2

Discuss cognitive approach to treating depression
3 AO3

Answer 2

+ effective. March found 81% of antidepressants group and 81% of CBT group significantly improved. Just as effective as drugs
- may not work in severe cases. Some can’t engage w the hard cognitive work. Cant be used as sole treatment
+/- success may be due to patient-therapist relationship. Success may be determined by quality of relationship, not technique of therapy

Question 3

Discuss behavioural approach to explaining phobias
6 AO1

Answer 3

• acquired though classical, maintained through operant
• NS becomes CS, UCR response becomes CR
• little Albert classical conditioning
• Mowrer operant conditioning
• reinforcement increased likelihood that behaviour will be repeated
• avoidance negatively reinforces

Question 4

Discuss behavioural approach to explaining phobias
3 AO3

Answer 4

+ application to therapy. When patient prevented from avoiding, behaviour is not reinforced
- not always result of trauma, can be evolutionary e.g fear of the dark
- avoidance may be motivated by positive feelings of safety. E.g agoraphobics may leave house w someone they trust but not alone

Question 5

Discuss biological approach to explaining OCD
6 AO1

Answer 5

• genetic: Lewis found 37% of his patients had parents w OCD, and 21% had siblings w it
• candidate genes create vulnerability for OCD
• polygenic: Taylor found 239 different genes involved w OCD
• low levels of serotonin can impact transmission of relevant mood info
• abnormal functioning of lateral frontal lobe involved in logical thinking e.g hoarding

Question 6

Discuss biological approach to explaining OCD
3 AO3

Answer 6

+ genetic. Nesadt found 68% of MZ twins both had OCD compared with 31% DZ
- too many genes involved so explanation is unlikely to be very useful as it has little predictive value
+ antidepressants that work purely on serotonin system are effective in reducing symptoms. Suggests serotonin system is involved in OCD