psych A-level key studies

Grant et al (2008)

Hint: Impulse Control Disorders

Context: While opiate antagonists showed positive results, there had been no studies on individual differences.

AIM: (1). Investigate variables related to treatments opiate antagonists have on pathological gambling.
(2). Use findings to create pathological gambling treatment.

Participants: 284 patients with pathological gambling diagnosis. They were diagnosed through the DSM via structured clinical interviews. Had to have over a 5 on gambling measures, and pathological gambling less than 2 weeks before the study began.

Measures: >35% reduction in scales = positive response, using depression and anxiety measurements.

Results: (1). Those with family history of alcoholism had the strongest positive response.
(2). Higher drug dosage = positive response.
(3). Younger individuals on the placebo showed better responses than older ones.

Grant et al (2008) Evaluation.

(1). Both pathological gambling and placebo had 18 week follow ups, LONGITUDINAL, so they can observe

(2).Hard to generalize as many patients were excluded from the list.

(3). Double-blind procedure increases validity.

(4). Questionnaires reduce validity due to potential lying.

Ocur et al (1997)

Hint: Depressive disorder

CONTEXT: Many believed genetics effect depression, with this study wanting to examine the relationship between serotonin and depression. 5HT is a serotonin transporter.

AIM: Investigate role of 5HT2C receptors (a neurotransmitter regulator) and 5HT transporter genes in bipolar depression.

PARTICIPANTS: DNA analyzed from from 42 patients with diagnosed depression. 40 healthy DNA samples as control.

PROCEDURE: DNA analyzed from each person. Experimental group (with bipolar) had clinical interviews to determine diagnosis. They then completed the Completed Lifetime Version of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia questionnaire.

RESULTS: 16/42 had a positive family history for bipolar depression. No difference in receptors or transporters were examined in either exp/con groups. Women were more likely to have polymorphisms leading to increased risk for depression.

EVALUATION: Measurements increase validity