Topic 1 Introduction to the subject. History, theory/paradigms, research

Question 1

Diathesis stress model

Answer 1

The diathesis–stress model is a psychological theory that attempts to explain a disorder, or its trajectory, as the result of an interaction between a predispositional vulnerability, the diathesis, and a stress caused by life experiences.
A diathesis can take the form of genetic, psychological, biological, or situational factors. A large range of differences exists among individuals’ vulnerabilities to the development of a disorder.
The diathesis, or predisposition, interacts with the individual’s subsequent stress response. Stress is a life event or series of events that disrupts a person’s psychological equilibrium and may catalyze the development of a disorder.
The diathesis–stress model asserts that if the combination of the predisposition and the stress exceeds a threshold, the person will develop a disorder.

Question 2

History of psychopathology;

Answer 2

supernatural/biological/psychological

Bio; Hippocrates (‘soma’ - body) hysteria, 4 humours, brain problems (syphillis)
Asylums, criminality, moral therapy (treating normally, encouraging positive social interaction). electric shock, insulin, tranquilisers, labotomy
increased hospitalisation, seen as unfixable, increases the role of science in psychopathology

Psych; Freud, Behaviorist, Humanist, moral therapy

modern Integrated Approach, follow the evidence!

Question 3

Somatogenic;

Psychogenic;

Answer 3

physical origin

mental origin

Question 4

Science practitioner model

Answer 4

The goal of the scientist-practitioner model is to increase scientific growth within clinical psychology in the United States (from APA). It calls for graduate programs to engage and develop psychologists' background in psychological theory, field work, and research methodology. The scientist-practitioner model urges clinicians to allow empirical research to influence their applied practice; while simultaneously, allowing their experiences during applied practice to shape their future research questions. Therefore, continuously advancing, refining and perfecting the scientific paradigms of the field.
A scientist-practitioner:
-Stays current with research in field
-Evaluates own assessment and treatment
-Conducts research

Read
Review
Research

Question 5

etiology
Epidemiology;
prevalence;
incidence;

Answer 5

underlying cause
Study of cause of disease
how many total cases (usually expressed per 100’000 for a specific city/country)
how many new cases

Question 6

Thoughts on DSM categorization, labeling, diagnosis

Answer 6

DSM categorizes symptom clusters that may be useful for deciding on effective treatments and prognosis

positive psychology can interact with classification, identifying diathesis (preconditions) can enable growth/change/prevention/eliminate biological weaknesses, rather than allowing classification to be biologically deterministic

Question 7

Statistical significance, effect size, clinical significance

Answer 7

While statistical significance indicates the reliability of the study results, clinical significance reflects its impact on clinical practice, clinical significance is the practical importance of a treatment effect—whether it has a real genuine, palpable, noticeable effect on daily life.
Effect size indicates the size of the difference between groups, where stat sig indicates a p value below 0.05 indicating less than 5% chance that the results occurred by random chance

Question 8

three necessary things to define a psychological disorder

and the 4 D’s

Answer 8

Dysfunction, on a continuum, must be substantially bad
distress or impairment, impairment including antisocial, bipolar and other ego-dystonic
atypical, not sanctioned, (problematic, modern conception = harmful atypical behaviour, and that which is out of the persons control)

Deviance Distress Dysfunction Danger

Question 9

Clinical description 3 parts

Answer 9

1. Describe and define
episodic/time limited/chronic
accute/insideous onset
2. causes etiology
3. treatments and prognosis (good or guarded)

Question 10

Multidimensional

Answer 10

systemic
a system/feedback loop has many inputs all parts of a whole, all causes must be considered in context (the biology cognitive emotional social and cultural environment)