THE MEDICAL MODEL

Question 1

Biochemical explanation of Sz

Answer 1

Og. cause= increased dopamine (DA) levels
Newer research- too many DA receptors and more sensitive than neurotypical brain
Means DA absorbed into postsynaptic neurone- excess DA in mesolimbic (motivation, reward- +ve symptoms) and mesocartical (cognitive- -ve) pathways

Question 2

Research evidence for biochemical Sz explanation

Answer 2

Drugs such as cocaine increases Da release and increases hallucinations 
Pharmaceutical drugs (block DA receptors)- decrease psychotic symptoms= DA has role in Sz

Question 3

An animal study for biochemical Sz explanation

Answer 3

Randrup and Munkvan
Give rats amphetamines which with prolonged use will lead to SZ behaviour
Treat with antipsychotics (act on DA) and reduce symptoms

Question 4

Genetic explanation of Sz

evidence

Answer 4

Mirsky- case study on identical female quadruplets born in 1930
All developed Sz by 24
All shared identical genes
History of mental disorders in parents family
// evidence that father abused them
Diathesis (genetic) stress (enviro) model

Question 5

Brain abnormality explanations for Sz

Role of four ventricles

Answer 5

Cavities that hold cerebrospinal fluid pride nutrients and protection- no cognitive functions
Enlarge ventricles- decreases grey matter
Temporal lobe- explains auditory hallucinations
Frontal- incoherent speech and perceptual disturbance (e.g. delusions)

Question 6

Strengths of biochemical explanations

Answer 6

quantitative data- objective

Scientific equipment- standardised, replicable

Question 7

Weaknesses of biochemical explanations

Answer 7

Reductionist- enviro may be a contributing factor
Inference of the effect- cannot isolate certain parts of the brain
Decreased eco validity- not having delusion at the time of the scan

Question 8

Aim for Gottensman

Answer 8

Examine how vulnerable the children of two parents with mental illness are to develop a mental illness themselves
Specifically children of parents with Sz and bipolar disorder

Question 9

Sample for Gottensman

Answer 9

3.3 million Ps including offspring
Danish psychiatrist used ICD
Secondary data from database holding off about cohort or Danish population

Question 10

Four groups for Gottensman

Answer 10

Couples who had both been admitted (+kids) who had Sz or bipolar disorder
Coupes where one person had been admitted
Neither parent had any mental illness
No data on diagnosis

Question 11

Procedure for Gottensman

Answer 11

Data on each child linked to parents psychiatric history used Danish Civil registration
Quasi
IV- both parents, one parent or neither
DV- whether their offspring was diagnosed with mental illness

Question 12

Result for Gottensman

Answer 12

27. 3% children whose parents both had Sz developed Sz by 52
28. 95% bipolar disorder by the time they were 52
29. 2% risk of being diagnosed with any mental disorder

Question 13

Strengths of Gottensman

Answer 13

Large sample- 3.3 million- population validity, representative
Quantitative

Question 14

Weaknesses of Gottensman

Answer 14

Multiple versions of ICD- lacks internal validity

Ethnocentric- only Danish people

Question 15

PECH statement on nature/nurture debate (strength)

Answer 15

P- supports nature side
E- two parents diagnosed with Sz= 67.5% of children developed a mental disorder
C- control development/offer therapy to try avoid complete disorder, early intervention
H- may not be changeable (e.g. childhood trauma- therapy may not be beneficial)

Question 16

PECH statement on reductionist debate (weakness)

Answer 16

P- supports reductionist debate
E- doesn’t consider other factors (e.g. upbringing/education)
C- assuming can’t help as genetic
H- scientific= standardised

Question 17

How do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work

Answer 17

Work by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed into presynaptic membrane after crossing synapse
Encourage more serotonin to be released by post-synaptic neurone
Then helps regulate serotonin levels
Which regulates DA and noradrenaline
=normal functioning of neurotransmitters

Question 18

Research evidence for SSRIs

Answer 18

Beck found that Px depressive symptoms decrease by 20% when taking SSRIs
// relapse risk is significant when remission is achieved so Px are advised to continue medication up to 6 months after remission
More effective for severe depression (not useful for mild/moderate depression)

Question 19

Strengths of biological treatments

Answer 19

Symptoms reduced- function better in every day life
Inexpensive in comparison to other therapy (e.g. talking therapy)
Easier and quicker than therapy

Question 20

Weaknesses of biological treatment

Answer 20

Decrease adherence if there are lots of side effects

E.g. dizziness