Psychology a level - PART 2 schizophrenia

ao1 and ao3

what are token economies

a form of behavioural modification that helps the management of schizophrenia where desirable behaviours are positively, selectively reinforced

2 ways token economies help manage SZ

normalising functional behaviour

improving quality of life

what is the primary reinforcer in token economies

the reward

what is the secondary reinforcer in token economies

the tokens

study on effectiveness of token economies

Glowacki et al (2016) meta-analysed 7 studies on token economies

found token economies reduced negative symptoms and decreased frequency of unwanted behaviours

study on alternative ways of managing SZ

Chiang et al (2019) concluded art therapy is a high-gain and low-risk, effective way of managing SZ

why might token economies have ethical issues

gives the psychiatrist control over SZ patient’s behaviour

what is the interactionist approach

explaining the development of behaviour in terms of a range of factors, including the biological and the psychological

what is the diathesis-stress model

an interactionist approach to explaining behaviour that suggests SZ both requires a predisposition of vulnerability (diathesis) and a trigger (stress) to develop

difference between original and modern diathesis-stress models

original - diathesis biological, stress psychological

modern - either factor can be either type

example of a psychological factor that could act as a diathesis for SZ

early trauma which effects neurodevelopment

example of biological factor that could act as a stress for SZ

cannabis by interfering with the dopamine system

how does the interactionist approach treat SZ

combining antipsychotic medication with psychological therapies

study on the diathesis-stress model for SZ

Tienari et al (2004) followed 19,000 Finnish adoptees with schizophrenic biological mothers, compared to control group of adoptees with no genetic vulnerability. adoptive parents’ child-rearing style assessed

found that high EE associated with developing SZ but only in the genetically vulnerable group

study on interactionist treatment of SZ

Tarrier et al (2004) randomly allocated 315 p’s to: medication and CBT, medication and counselling, medication only (control group)

found combined conditions reduced symptoms more significantly, although there was no difference in hospital readmission

do people with Schizophrenia have good or poor memory function? why?

poor

cognitive dysfunction

Adam’s study on typical antipsychotics

meta-analysis with a sample size of over 5,200

chlorpromazine significantly improved symptoms of schizophrenia, but placebos also saw a considerable improvement

stat showing real-world positive effects family therapy

increases employment by 50% within 2 years

placebo study effectiveness drug therapies in relapse

meta-analysis 29 studies 3,500 participants

placebos lead to 55% relapse, antipsychotics lead to 19% relapse

study against effectiveness of antipsychotics

Wahlbeck: antipsychotics had no effect on 30% patients

what is the neural diathesis-stress model of SZ

stress heightens cortisol levels which triggers/worsens SZ symptoms