Paradigms

Question 1

What is a paradigm?

Answer 1

• A set of basic assumptions

- a general perspective

Question 2

Paradigm shift

Answer 2

A change in concepts

- Kuhn

Question 3

Adoption of a paradigm

Answer 3

• explains how and why each might be used.
• affects how a scientist-practitioner works - influences assessment and treatment
• can restrict, limit, bias a clinicians remit
• risk that scientific research can never be completely objective, despite claims to be contrary

Question 4

Paradigms in psychopathology

Answer 4

Biological 
Psychological 
Diathesis-Stress 
Biopsychosocial 
Psychobiosocial

Question 5

Factors which cut across paradigms

Answer 5

• emotions
• sociocultural factors
• interpersonal factors

Question 6

Emotions

Answer 6

• influence how we respond to problems and challenges
• shape and guide thoughts and behaviour
• emotional regulation and self-control

Question 7

Sociocultural factors

Answer 7

• gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religious and spiritual beliefs

Question 8

Interpersonal factors

Answer 8

Family/friends

Question 9

Biological paradigm

Answer 9

• psychopathology results from altercations in biological processes

Question 10

Support?

Answer 10

• heredity and risk of developing sz
• brain biochemistry involved in symptoms of depression
• nervous system involved in arousal related to anxiety disorder

Question 11

Genetics

Answer 11

• predisposition to certain characteristics or behaviours

Question 12

Methods for examining whether a genetic predisposition for psychopathology exists?

Answer 12

Family studies
Twin studies
Adoption studies

Question 13

What have family studies shown?

Answer 13

That presence of mental disorder in closer relatives increases risk of developing mental disorder
- however, genes do not operate in isolation there is interaction from the environment

Question 14

Biochemistry

Answer 14

Neuroscience - focus on brain processes

Question 15

How can neurotransmitters be controlled?

Answer 15

By influencing:

• rate of release
• excitation
• re-uptake

Question 16

Important neurotransmitters?

Answer 16

• 5HT/seratonin
• dopamine
• gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Question 17

Seratonin

Answer 17

Linked to depression, mania and sz

Question 18

GABA

Answer 18

Inhibits nerve impulses, shortage may lead to anxiety

Question 19

Dopamine

Answer 19

Linked to mania, SZ and dementia in Parkinson’s

Question 20

Treatment

Answer 20

Focuses on altering physiology of the brain

• Valium
• Thorazine
• Prozac

Question 21

Criticism?

Answer 21

• reductionist approach

- medication alone does not always prevent relapse

Question 22

Evaluation of Biological paradigm

Answer 22

• dominant in Western world
• tends to minimise or ignore any social or environmental influences
• key assumption: dysfunctional behaviour results from faulty brain functioning

Question 23

Psychodynamic paradigm

Answer 23

Psychopathology is the result of unresolved unconscious conflict in individuals

Question 24

Treatment

Answer 24

Focuses on increasing insight into unresolved conflict and use of defender mechanisms

• aims to help individual identify and understand childhood conflict
• resolve this conflict