Psychopathology Flashcards- EVALUATION

Flashcards for Psychopathology Lecture Review

Strength of Statistical Infrequency

Objective measure with numerical data, increasing internal validity.

Weakness of Statistical Infrequency

Some characteristics are deemed abnormal even when highly common (e.g., depression and anxiety).

Weakness of Deviation from Social Norms (DFSN)

Norms vary from culture to culture, making it difficult to apply Western norms universally.

Strength of Behaviourist Explanation for Phobias

Research support through cases like Little Albert demonstrates classical conditioning in acquiring phobias.

Weakness of Behaviourist Explanation for Phobias (Generalizability)

Little Albert is a case study and may not be generalizable to the wider population.

Weakness of Behaviourist Explanation for Phobias (Reductionism)

Biological factors are not considered; Seligman's biological preparedness suggests humans are genetically programmed to fear unknown things.

Weakness of Behaviourist Explanation for Phobias (Incomplete Explanation)

It doesn't explain acquiring phobias without prior experience.

Strength of Systematic Desensitization (SD) Treatment for Phobias

Research (e.g., Lang and Lazovick on snakes) shows reduced fear in groups treated with SD.

Strength of Systematic Desensitization (SD) Treatment for Phobias (Universality)

Appropriate for children, adults, and individuals with learning difficulties.

Weakness of Systematic Desensitization (SD) Treatment for Phobias

It treats symptoms, not the underlying causes of phobias.

Weakness of Systematic Desensitization (SD) Treatment for Phobias (Practicality)

Treatment is time and cost consuming and can have side effects like nausea, leading to patient dropout.

Strength of Flooding Treatment for Phobias

Accessible, time, and cost effective.

Strength of Flooding Treatment for Phobias (Effectiveness)

90% of patients overcome fear.

Weakness of Flooding Treatment for Phobias (Universality)

Not applicable for all; traumatic for children and adults with learning difficulties.

Weakness of Flooding Treatment for Phobias

Treats symptoms, not the underlying causes.

Weakness of Flooding Treatment for Phobias (Side Effects)

Can deepen the phobia (side effects).

Weakness of Deviation from Social Norms (Subjectivity)

Norms are people’s opinions, decreasing internal validity.

Strength of FFA

Gives a structure to diagnosing people with mental health issues.

Weakness of FFA (Culture Bias)

Western tools used on another culture may make the culture seem abnormal when they're not.

Weakness of FFA (Subjective)

Psychologist have to judge whether patient follows criteria.

Strength of DFIMH

Gives a structure to identify some characteristics in patient with mental health issues.

Weakness of DFIMH (Unrealistic)

Not everyone meets criteria everyday.

Weakness of DFIMH (Culture Bias)

Western tools used on another culture may make the culture seem abnormal when they’re not.

Strength of Cognitive Explanation to Depression

Pregnant women tested before and after birth; those cognitively vulnerable developed depression, supporting faulty thinking leads to depression.

Strength of Cognitive Explanation to Depression (Real World Application)

CBT therapies alter cognitions that make people more vulnerable to depression.

Weakness of Cognitive Explanation to Depression (Incomplete Explanation)

Don’t explain all aspects of depression; some severe cases have hallucinations.

Weakness of Cognitive Explanation to Depression (Reductionist)

Fails to consider biology; evidence shows low serotonin leads to depression.

Strength of Cognitive Treatment to Depression (CBT)

March compared CBT to drug therapy; although drugs fast acting, CBT just as effective in relieving symptoms in 36 weeks.

Strength of Cognitive Treatment to Depression (Universality)

CBT structured therefore can be given in many forms (books etc.) so more people can access.

Weakness of Cognitive Treatment to Depression (Practicality)

CBT is time and energy consuming so many may drop out.

Weakness of Cognitive Treatment to Depression

Only treats symptoms not cause; psychoanalysis gets to the root of the problem but CBT doesn’t.

Strength of biological explanation to depression

Nestradt reviewed OCD in twins and 68% MZ twins shared OCD and 31% in DZ. suggests genetic explanation is valid

Strength of biological explanation to depression

Approach led to SSRI treatments which successfully treat depression suggesting serotonin is a part of OCD

Weakness of biological explanation to depression

Research shows over half of OCD clients had experienced a traumatic event in their lives- suggests OCD may not just be genetic

Strength of biological treatment to depression

SSRIs 70% effective at reducing symptoms than placebos

Strength of biological treatment to depression

Cost effective, no waiting lists and benefits economy as more people return to work faster. Drugs more convenient.

Weakness of biological treatment to depression

Effectiveness of SSRIs greatest when paired with CBT- may not be entirely effective

Weakness of biological treatment to depression

If you stop taking them, symptoms return

Weakness of biological treatment to depression

May have side effects that cause patient to stop taking them. Not effective if no one takes them.