the interactionist approach to schizophrenia Flashcards
the interactionist approach KW
An approach that explains schizophrenia by both biological and psychological factors involved in the development of schizophrenia
the diathesis stress model KW
A model of mental illness that shows the interaction between biological vulnerability and environmental triggers. Over the years the model has changed from being purely genetic to acknowledging environmental triggers as well.
how does the interactionist approach explain schizophrenia ?
> looks at biological factors such as dopamine levels
> looks at environmental triggers such as life events and daily hassles ( including poor interaction within the family )
what was the old version of the diathesis stress model?
meehl’s model
> model was entirely genetic
>diathesis was a single schizogene that causes SCHIZ
> this gene was thought to make people more sensitive to stress
> stress was seen to come from the schizophrengenic mothers behaviour ( controlling )
> if people don’t have the gene then theres no chance of them developing SCHIZ
how did the diathesis get updated in the model?
> now considered many genes that increase peoples vulnerability
it also included psychological trauma such as child abuse that can change a developing brain in childhood
EX, the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal system can become overactive making them more vulnerable to stress
this makes peoples fight or flight response more sensitive
how was stress updated in the model?
> changed to anything that can trigger stress
>EX Cannabis , parenting and poverty
how should treatment be according to the interactionist approach?
> should be combined (biological and psychological )
EX Antipsychotics and CBT
believe its difficult to say a condition is purely biological or psychological
interactionist approach is common in Britain
in USA it is bias to biological treatments
