Is schizophrenia caused by genetic (nature) or environmental (nurture) factors? Critically discuss with reference to both psychological theory and research.
Transfer-Encoding: chunked Is schizophrenia caused by genetic (nature) or environmental (nurture) factors? Is schizophrenia caused by genetic (nature) or environmental (nurture) factors? Critically discuss with reference to both psychological theory and research. Student ID: Name of Tutor: Unit number: Unit name: Psychology 101 Word count:1200 Abstract The purpose of this essay is to find out if schizophrenia is caused by genetic or environmental factors. The essay discussed both genetic and environmental factors critically with reference to both psychological theory and research. The essay examined a wide range of literature and resources ranging from biological and environmental theories, scholarly articles and peer reviewed journals The essay supports the assertion that genetic factors play a more prominent role in the cause of schizophrenia than environmental factors. The paper concluded by maintaining that though genetic factors are more responsible for schizophrenia than environmental factors, it acknowledges the importance of environment factors in the cause of schizophrenia. That both factors are interwoven and significant in the cause of schizophrenia. Is schizophrenia caused by genetic (nature) or environmental (nurture) factors? Critically discuss with reference to both psychological theory and research. What is schizophrenia? The Diagnostic and
Discuss problems inherent to diagnosis and classification of abnormality
Discuss problems inherent to diagnosis and classification of abnormality This essay will be a critical evaluation of the diagnosis and classification of abnormality and the intrinsic problems involved. The term 'abnormality' is defined as 'deviation from a norm or standard', but how do psychologists determine what is abnormal or normal behaviour? The first attempt at classification of psychological abnormality was made by the Greek physician Hippocrates. He identified three categories, mania, melancholia and phrentis (fever of the brain). The first prevalent classification was developed by Kraeplin (1913) who collated earlier systems and elaborated on them. This then led to classification systems, different models and four definitions of abnormality being developed to define abnormal behaviour however, this is not an infallible system as discussed further on in the essay. Statistical infrequency is based on the idea that if certain behaviour, a person's personality or ways of thinking are statistically rare or unusual, then it is deemed as abnormal. They make no value judgements, for example homosexuality is no longer classed as wrong or unacceptable, just less statistically common. Nevertheless, the desirability of certain traits is not taken into account. If a person has a high IQ, they are deemed as 'abnormal', however, this should be classed as a gift not an abnormality.
Outline and evaluate one or more psychological exlpanations for Schizophrenia
Outline and evaluate one or more psychological exlpanations for Schizophrenia. One psychological explanation for Schizophrenia (Sz) is the cognitive model. Sz according to the cognitive model suggests that faulty thought processes are linked to many schizophrenic symptoms, such as hallucinations and disordered thinking, which suggest a cognitive input. This explanation acknowledges the role of biological factors in causing the initial sensory experiences of Sz. The cognitive viewpoint is that maladaptive thinking is strongly linked to Sz and many of its symptoms such as hallucinations. A particular focus of interest has been the role of attention with the possibility that Schizophrenics cannot filter out irrelevant sensory information and so are bombarded with data that they cannot interpret meaningfully and therefore experience a different sensory world from that of others. Frith (1992) claimed that the filter between the conscious and the preconscious are faulty and so unimportant information gets into our conscious awareness and Schizophrenics feel they have to pay attention to it because it is important. Frith believes that auditory hallucinations come from being bombarded from sounds both verbal and non verbal and he believes that the preconscious mechanisms test out various hypotheses before a final interpretation is passed to the conscious awareness. Frith believes
Outline and Evaluate one biological therapy and one psychological therapy for schizophrenia
Outline and evaluate one biological therapy for schizophrenia and one psychological therapy for schizophrenia. (8 marks + 16 marks) A01 The main type of drug therapy for schizophrenia are antipsychotic drugs.They are considered the most effective because they allow the patient to function in society to a reasonable extent and feel like they have abit more control.Antipsychotic drugs can come in many forms , one being typical drugs like Chloropiazine where it is believed that schizophrenia is caused by the neurotransmitter dopamine so the drugs attach to the dopamine receptors so they isnt as much dopamine in the syynapse which reduces the positive symptoms like delusions and hallunications.There are also atypical drugs like clorapine which avoid some of the side effects as the old drugs by controlling serotonin levels aswell. There is supporting evidence for this e.g Julien which found that neuroleoptics are effective in relieving positive symptoms and allow patients to be able to live outside insitutional care.This suggests that antipsychotic are effective to an certain extent in allowing schizophrenia sufferers to be able to try and live a normal life. But antipsyhotics arent effective treatment for schizophrenia because it doesnt relieve negative symptoms of schizophrenia which are the symptoms that would prevent from socializing effectively in first place. A limitation
Biological Explanations of Schizophrenia
SC1 There is strong evidence that biological factors play a large part in the development of schizophrenia. It has been known for a long time that sch runs in families. This could be because families share the same disadvantaged environments, but research evidence from family, twin and adoption studies suggests that genetic factors are also important. First-degree relatives share an average of 50 per cent of their genes with each other, while second degree relatives share only 25 percent. Research evidence has looked to see if there is a correlational link between inheriting schizophrenia and genetic similarity. Kendler et al (1985) found that first-degree relatives of schizophrenics are 18 times more likely to contract the disorder than the general population. Family studies are often inconclusive because they are conducted retrospectively, after people have been diagnosed. Therefore we can question the reliability of findings, as the relationship between genetic similarity and susceptibility to schizophrenia is not fully clear; a longitudinal study would be better However, a longitudinal study of this nature would be hard and very time consuming to conduct. Twin studies are another way of establishing a genetic link; they look at the difference in concordance between MA and DZ twins. Cardno et al (1999) found a 40 per cent concordance rate of sch in MZ twins, compared
In this assignment the Author intends to discuss, evaluate and research the reliability and validity of diagnosis and classification, demonstrate and recognise the values and limitations required when discussing psychological disorders and finally conclud
How reliable and valid is Diagnosis and Classification In this assignment the Author intends to discuss, evaluate and research the reliability and validity of diagnosis and classification, demonstrate and recognise the values and limitations required when discussing psychological disorders and finally conclude by writing an essay identifying how useful diagnosis and classification is when applied to people in real life situations. There exist two main diagnosis and classification manuals, firstly The International Classification of Diseases or ICD-10, which is an international standard diagnostic classification for all general epidemiological and many health management purposes, as classified by the World Health Organization or (WHO); and the second is the fourth edition of the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-IV. (Coordination Group Publications 2009; Richard Gross 2010). The DSM-IV appears to be the preferred online resource diagnostic and classification manual presently utilised by both psychiatrists and/or psychologists within the field; DSM-IV contains a list of possible mental health disorders, individuals are rated on multiple axes/dimensions and diagnostic categories which aim to predict a possible diagnosis of mental disorder, ultimately reliability and validity. (Coordination Group Publications 2009;
Surviving Schizophrenia.
The DSM IV is a revised system of diagnosis and nomenclature and can also be referred to as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders. It can be used to diagnose people with serious mental illnesses, such as people who have mood disorders and schizophrenia. The DSM IV was designed to help doctors, professionals and even society as a whole recognize these disorders and the people who have them. The only way to treat someone is to recognize the problem first. The DSM IV is made up of five axes: clinical disorders, personality disorders/mental retardation, general medical conditions, psychosocial and environmental problems, and global assessment of functioning. Schizophrenia was once used in a more "broad" term and researchers felt that a more specific, strict definition was needed. The DSM IV definition was developed because of this and contains specific criteria that is needed to diagnose someone with schizophrenia. In the DSM IV, to be diagnosed as having schizophrenia, one must have two or more of the following conditions that are present for a significant time over a one-month time span. The conditions are: delusions, hallucinations, disordered speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms, such as alogia and avolition. Other factors such as social/occupational dysfunction and duration also play a part in the diagnosis. Of
Discuss at least one biological treatment for schizophrenia?
Clare Ford Discuss at least one biological treatment for schizophrenia? The biological approach to schizophrenia assumes that the biochemical factors may be important in the development and maintenance of schizophrenia. As well as genetic factors and brain structure. Biological therapies are in line with these viewed causes. Therefore this approach believes that a disordered mind may be corrected by treatment aimed at the body. The biological treatment to schizophrenia uses biological means to alter a person's psychological state. Relating to the underlying biological assumptions that schizophrenia has a pathological cause, there are symptoms present, a diagnosis can be made with these in mind and a therapy can be started on the basis of the diagnosis. There are four main biological treatments for the disorder, insulin shock therapy, electro convulsive therapy, psychosurgery and drug treatment. There are four main categories of prescribed drugs, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-manic and anti-psychotic. The later Anti-psychotic drugs, major tranquillisers and neuroleptic drugs reduce concentration and frequency of hallucinations and delusions however they are not a cure. These drugs reduce psychotic symptoms but can also produce some of the symptoms of neurological diseases. They decrease the positive symptoms of schizophrenia but have little effect on the negative
Discuss cultural and ethical considerations in diagnosis of abnormal psychology.
Discuss cultural and ethical considerations in diagnosis. Abnormal psychology is the area of psychology which concentrates on unusual behaviours. These could involve affective disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is not an exact science since in different parts of the world different things are considered abnormal. This often leads to the need of having cultural considerations. These types of considerations come up when disorders which “exist” in certain parts of the world only are taken into consideration. Rack in 1982 considered for example the fact that in China diagnosis are made only in severe cases since the mentally ill are not easily accepted there. Also Kleinman in 1984 evaluated how often symptoms are bound to certain cultures and not to others. Ethical considerations instead are made so to have the least amount of counter effects as possible in the patient who is given a diagnosis of a mental disease. Szasz for example stated that often labels are given to people (such as mentally ill) so to isolate them. Another study considered how isolating patients in institutes can be ethically unjust since it causes several problems both for the doctor and for the patient. This was the study conducted by Rosenhan in 1973. Culture affects diagnosis. This is caused by the fact that the standards for abnormality differ from culture to culture and from society to
Schizophrenia: Introduction and Overview
Running head: THE IMPACT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA Schizophrenia: Introduction and Overview Student ID: 2540 (AP205) Southern Cross International College (Path Education Singapore) Schizophrenia: Introduction and Overview Diseases of the brain and mind have occupied humanity from ancient times. Syndromes recognizable as forms of psychosis appear in the writings of Plato and Hippocrates. Psychosis is a syndrome such as a constellation of symptoms that reflects the distortion of the person's thoughts and perceptions such that there is a loss of boundaries between what is real and what is unreal, between himself or herself and the external world. And Schizophrenia, itself is a form of psychosis, characterized by a multiplicity of symptoms affecting the most fundamental human attributes: cognition, emotion and perception - a mind that is torn asunder. The early age of onset, varying degree of intellectual and psychosocial impairment, possibility of long-term disability and above all associated stigma, often brings to its victims and their family's emotional and financial distress, which makes schizophrenia one of the most severe and devastating mental illness (Thaker and Carpenter, 2001). Symptoms of schizophrenia are generally divided into three categories: positive, negative and disorganized symptoms (Andreasen, 1995 pg. 477 - 81). Positive symptoms refer to the presence of
