P1 Psychopathology

Statistical Infrequency

Defines abnormality as behaviours that are numerically rare (e.g., very high or low IQ).

Evaluation of Statistical Infrequency

+Objective and measurable, −Unusual traits aren't always negative (e.g., high IQ), −Not all disorders are rare.

Deviation from Social Norms

Defines abnormality based on breaking social rules (e.g., antisocial personality disorder).

Evaluation of Social Norms

−Culturally relative, −Historically biased (e.g., homosexuality), −Can lead to human rights abuses.

Failure to Function Adequately

Abnormality is when a person can't cope with daily life (e.g., personal distress, observer discomfort).

Evaluation of Failure to Function

+Takes patient's perspective into account, −Subjective judgment, −Some disorders don't cause dysfunction (e.g., OCD).

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Based on Jahoda's criteria (e.g., autonomy, self-actualisation, positive self-esteem).

Evaluation of Ideal Mental Health

+Holistic view, −Unrealistic standards, −Culture-bound to Western ideals.

Phobia Characteristics (Behavioural)

Avoidance, panic, and endurance in presence of phobic stimulus.

Phobia Characteristics (Emotional)

Extreme fear, anxiety, and distress.

Phobia Characteristics (Cognitive)

Irrational beliefs, selective attention to threat, cognitive distortions.

Depression Characteristics (Behavioural)

Disruption to eating/sleeping, reduced activity, aggression/self-harm.

Depression Characteristics (Emotional)

Low mood, anger, low self-esteem.

Depression Characteristics (Cognitive)

Absolutist thinking, poor concentration, focus on the negative.

OCD Characteristics (Behavioural)

Avoidance, compulsions (repetitive behaviours).

OCD Characteristics (Emotional)

Anxiety, distress, guilt, disgust.

OCD Characteristics (Cognitive)

Obsessions (intrusive thoughts), cognitive coping strategies, awareness of irrationality.

Two-Process Model (Phobias)

Phobias are acquired through classical conditioning and maintained via operant conditioning (negative reinforcement).

Evaluation of Two-Process Model

+Watson & Rayner's Little Albert, −Ignores cognitive factors, −Not all phobias follow trauma.

Systematic Desensitisation

Gradual exposure to phobic stimulus using hierarchy and relaxation techniques.

Evaluation of Systematic Desensitisation

+Effective (Gilroy et al.), +Preferred by patients, −Not suitable for all phobias (e.g., social phobias).

Flooding

Immediate exposure to phobic stimulus until anxiety subsides via extinction.

Evaluation of Flooding

+Cost-effective, −Highly distressing, −Less effective for complex phobias.

Beck's Negative Triad

Negative views of self, world, and future lead to and maintain depression.

Evaluation of Beck's Model

+Supported by cognitive research, +Basis for CBT, −Doesn't explain all types (e.g., anger or hallucinations).

Ellis's ABC Model

A = Activating Event, B = Belief, C = Consequence. Irrational beliefs cause depression.

Evaluation of ABC Model

+Practical therapy application, −Partial explanation (only some depression triggered by events), −Doesn't explain all symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Combines cognitive and behavioural techniques to challenge irrational thoughts and replace with positive ones.

Evaluation of CBT

+Effective (March et al.), +Addresses root cause, −Requires motivation, −May ignore environment/life stressors.

Genetic Explanation of OCD

OCD may be inherited; candidate genes (e.g., COMT and SERT) influence neurotransmitter levels.

Neural Explanation of OCD

Abnormalities in serotonin levels and brain structures (e.g., basal ganglia) linked to OCD.

Evaluation of Biological Explanations

+Strong supporting evidence, −Too reductionist, −Environmental triggers not accounted for.

Drug Therapy for OCD

SSRIs increase serotonin activity, improving mood and reducing compulsions.

Evaluation of Drug Therapy

+Cost-effective, +Non-disruptive, −Side effects (e.g., weight gain), −Doesn't address root cause.