Psychological problems Psych Key Concepts*

• Key Concepts:

• Introduction to mental health:
  • a state of well-being in which an individual can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community.
  • The mental health continuum
  • 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues at some point.
  • Anxiety disorders are common among young people, while depression is prevalent across ages.
  • Women are more likely to experience depression and anxiety,
  • Men may face higher rates of substance abuse.
  • LGBTQ+ individuals face unique mental health challenges due to stigma and discrimination.

• Incidence Trends: Over time, there has been an increase in reported cases of mental health problems, partly due to improved recognition and diagnosis.
• Changing Classification: Diagnostic criteria and classifications of mental health disorders have evolved, with updates in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and ICD (International Classification of Diseases).
• Similarities and Differences: While certain disorders have remained prevalent, new disorders have been identified.
• Changes in Attitudes: Since the 1959 Mental Health Act, societal attitudes towards mental health have shifted, with increased awareness, reduced stigma, and greater emphasis on mental well-being and access to care.

• Effects of significant mental health problems:
  • Effects of stigma and discrimination on individuals before and after diagnosis
  • Effects of mental health problems on wider society, including care in the community

Theories/Explanations:

Biological Explanation of Schizophrenia:

Here are the clinical characteristics of schizophrenia:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganized thinking
• Disorganized speech
• Negative symptoms
• Cognitive deficits
• Impaired social functioning

Dopamine hypothesis and brain dysfunction in relation to cognition and behaviour

Criticisms of the biological theory

• Psychological Explanation of Schizophrenia:
  • Social drift theory
  • Criticisms of the psychological theory

• Research Study on Schizophrenia:
  • Daniel, Weinberger, Jones et al. (1991): The effect of amphetamine on regional cerebral blood flow during cognitive activation in schizophrenia

Symptoms of Clinical Depression:

• Persistent sadness
• Loss of interest
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue or low energy:
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt:
• Difficulty concentrating
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation:
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviours

Criticisms of the biological theory

• Psychological Explanation of Clinical Depression:
  • ABC Model of clinical depression
  • Criticisms of the psychological theory
• Research Study on Clinical Depression:
  • Tandoc et al. (2015): Study into Facebook use, envy, and depression among college students
• Application: Development of Treatments:
  • Use of anti-psychotics and anti-depressants
  • Use of psychotherapy
  • Development of neuropsychology for studying schizophrenia and clinical depression, including neuropsychological tests and brain imaging techniques.