The importance of an interactionist approach

Question 1

What is the interactionist approach to schizophrenia?

Answer 1

A model that combines both biological and psychological factors in the development and treatment of schizophrenia

Question 2

What does the interactionist approach reject?

Answer 2

The idea that schizophrenia is caused by either biological or psychological factors alone

Question 3

Why is the interactionist approach considered more holistic?

Answer 3

It accounts for the complex interplay of multiple causes rather than a single explanation

Question 4

What is the main model used in the interactionist approach?

Answer 4

The diathesis-stress model

Question 5

What does “diathesis” refer to in the model?

Answer 5

A vulnerability or predisposition to developing schizophrenia, often genetic

Question 6

What does “stress” refer to in the model?

Answer 6

Environmental factors or life events that trigger the onset of schizophrenia

Question 7

What must be present for schizophrenia to develop according to this model?

Answer 7

Both a biological vulnerability (diathesis) and an environmental stressor

Question 8

What is an example of a biological diathesis?

Answer 8

A genetic risk, such as having a parent with schizophrenia

Question 9

What is an example of an environmental stressor?

Answer 9

Childhood trauma, urban living, drug use, or family dysfunction

Question 10

How does the diathesis-stress model explain variability in schizophrenia development?

Answer 10

Not all people with a genetic predisposition develop schizophrenia—stress plays a key role

Question 10

How does cannabis use relate to the diathesis-stress model?

Answer 10

It can act as a trigger (stressor), especially in genetically vulnerable individuals

Question 11

How can early interventions help, based on this model?

Answer 11

By reducing environmental stressors to prevent triggering the disorder

Question 12

What family-related factor is a common environmental stressor?

Answer 12

High expressed emotion (EE) within the family

Question 12

What kind of studies support a genetic diathesis?

Answer 12

Twin and adoption studies showing higher concordance rates among biological relatives

Question 13

Can the diathesis be purely genetic?

Answer 13

Not necessarily; it can also include early brain damage or birth complications

Question 14

What is the role of the dopamine hypothesis in the diathesis?

Answer 14

It explains how an overactive dopamine system might create a biological vulnerability

Question 15

How can urban environments contribute to schizophrenia risk?

Answer 15

Increased stress, social fragmentation, and environmental toxins may act as triggers.

Question 16

How can childhood trauma act as a stressor?

Answer 16

It increases sensitivity to stress and may disrupt normal cognitive development

Question 17

Why is the model considered dynamic?

Answer 17

The level of vulnerability and stress can vary between individuals and across time

Question 18

What two types of treatment are commonly combined?

Answer 18

Antipsychotic medication and psychological therapies like CBT or family therapy

Question 18

What does the interactionist approach suggest about treatment?

Answer 18

That a combination of biological and psychological therapies is most effective

Question 19

How does the interactionist approach support CBT?

Answer 19

By recognising cognitive distortions as part of the stress component

Question 19

What is the benefit of combining treatments?

Answer 19

It addresses both symptoms and underlying cognitive or social issues

Question 20

What role does family therapy play in the interactionist model?

Answer 20

It reduces stress in the home environment, helping to prevent relapse

Question 20

What does this approach imply for medication use?

Answer 20

That drugs reduce symptoms, but don’t address triggers or relapse prevention alone

Question 21

What is an advantage of the interactionist approach to treatment?

Answer 21

It tailors interventions to both individual vulnerabilities and environmental factors

Question 22

What research supports the diathesis-stress model?

Answer 22

Tienari et al., adopted children with genetic risk developed schizophrenia only when exposed to dysfunctional family environments

Question 23

Why is the Tienari study important?

Answer 23

It shows that both genetic and environmental factors are necessary for schizophrenia to develop

Question 24

What is a strength of the interactionist approach?

Answer 24

It explains individual differences and allows for more personalised treatment

Question 25

What is a limitation of the original diathesis-stress model?

Answer 25

It was too simplistic, modern versions acknowledge multiple interacting factors

Question 26

How has the model evolved over time?

Answer 26

It now includes a broader range of biological and psychological diatheses and stressors

Question 27

What is the criticism regarding cause and effect in the model?

Answer 27

It's hard to establish whether the stress causes the onset or is a result of early symptoms

Question 28

Can someone recover from schizophrenia without treatment according to the model?

Answer 28

Rarely, most need intervention due to the complex interaction of causes

Question 29

Why is the interactionist model considered more ethical?

Answer 29

It avoids blaming families or patients exclusively and supports a balanced view

Question 30

What does the model promote in mental health services?

Answer 30

An integrated care approach, combining medication, therapy, and social support