The Medical and Psychological Models of Abnormality
Works Cited Missing
By the term "medical model" of abnormality we mean the biological
model, what the individual is born with either with reference to their
brain or even genetics. The biological explanation would suggest that
the individual's mental disorder is a cause of biological
malfunctioning. They see that environmental factors are of little
importance when taking the biological approach. Reasons for abnormal
behaviour could vary from possible genetic predisposition or an
imbalance of brain chemistry. The two main treatments suggested by the
biological model for abnormal behaviour are drugs and somatic
intervention.
To delve deeper into the biological model we must look at the human
brain and also at genetics. Because the brain controls all aspects of
human functioning, it is not difficult to conclude that damage or
interruption of normal brain function and activity could lead to
observable mental disorders. Genetically, to show a specific condition
is inherited, researchers must show that it could not be caused by
environmental factors. To provide evidence for abnormal behaviour
being inherited through genes, we must look at correlational and twin
studies.
A "psychological model" of abnormality could be the cognitive model.
Cognitive models are based on the assumption that conscious thought
mediates an individual's emotional state or behaviour in response to a
Biology, genetics, and evolution theory: Is when your body and your way of thinking affects your behavior negatively and force you to commit a crime Being mentally ill or even a poor diet can be the explanation to why someone commits a crime. It’s one of the key theories because it separates the criminals from the mental ill individuals. It also allows us to help the people with the biological defect.
This assignment is to discuss abnormality in mental health and the medical models used to diagnose mental disorders namely depression and eating disorders, why these models can be unreliable and theories behind what causes these disorders, whether it be environmental (nurture) or hereditary (nature) and how different cultures and societies can have an impact on diagnosing these disorders.
Throughout this course, much of what we have discussed has depended strongly on an interpretation of scientific information. We have questioned, criticized, accepted, rejected, and formed our own ideas about topics in neural and behavioral science. A book which I have read recently seems to fit in with this type of discussion. Blaming the Brain, by Eliot Valenstein, describes the major biological theories of mental illness and the lack of evidence we have to fully support them.
Mood symptoms are common in persons with delusional disorder and often represent a proportionate emotional response to perceived delusional experiences. However, given that mood disorders are common in the general population, they may present as comorbid conditions, often predating delusional disorder. Mood symptoms of mood disorders contrary to mood symptoms of delusional disorder are prominent and meet criteria for a full mood episode (depressive, manic, or mixed). Delusions associated with mood disorders usually develop after the onset of mood symptoms and progress secondary to mood abnormalities. Mood symptoms of delusional disorder are generally mild and delusions usually exist in the absence of mood abnormalities. Delusions of schizophrenia are bizarre in nature, and thematically associated hallucinations are common. Additionally, a disorganized thought process, speech, or behavior is present. Negative symptoms and deterioration in function are prominent and Cognitive deficits are common.
Mental disorders plays pivotal role in a person’s actions. An insane or mentally ill person has a hard time controlling their actions and behavior. The criminal justice system is well aware that everyone does not have the same mental state. An insane person or a person who has no control over their actions, or thought process who commits a crime will be seen as incompetent to stand trial. Daily functions for those who suffer from a mental disorder are harder for them to deal with. There is no treatment for the illness, however there is treatment that could assist in making that person’s life easier and productive. The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM) helps many clinicians diagnose certain mental disorders (Bartol, 2014). The DSM also can help officials link certain disorders with crime. With the help of the DSM it helps the criminal justice system realize that these disorders are the reason behind the defendant’s actions, versus it being free will. The disorders that are present in the DSM are also broken down into one of four categories: schizophrenic disorders, paranoid disorders, mood disorders and the personality disorder (Bartol, 2014). Although a person’sa mental state may be disoriented, they are still accountable for their actions if they commit a crime. While there are a select few people who suffer from a mental illness or disorder who cannot control their actions, there are also some who can. The insanity defense is also used and abused by some defendants seeking to receive a less punitive punishment. One major reason why the insanity defense was enforced in courts proceedings is because it will be cruel and unusual punishment to imprison someone who does not understand the charges they ar...
All forms of psychopathology—from mild depression to severe schizophrenia—have had a complex, if not contradictory relationship with the public and even those considered experts in the field. After compiling research through both secondary sources and primary sources, there was an obvious sense of discourse between what was right and what was wrong, even within the basic idea of what designates someone as suffering or not suffering from psychopathology. As a result, it seems much less that there are experts in the field of psychopathology, but rather are experts in the field of theorizing about psychopathology. Such a claim does not discredit those who have studied psychopathology and are deemed experts, such as Dr. Thomas Widiger or Dr. R.J.R. Blair. They have, after all, dedicated their lives to the understanding of psychopathology, but it can be argued that complete understanding of the field can never be truly reached due to the subjectivity of it.
Personality is a term that has largely been considered an unproblematic concept and primarily refers to the varying kinds of characteristics of individuals. Despite this assumption, psychologists have constantly used the word in different ways. The varying views in the use of this concept or term are fueled by the fact that psychology usually makes generalizations regarding individuals. Generally, personality seeks to examine the many differences and similarities between individuals. Formal evaluation and study of personality have mainly focused on patterns of similarities versus patterns of differences among individuals. When evaluating patterns of differences, the concept of abnormality has emerged and attracted huge concerns among psychologists. Since the issue is controversial, there are concerns whether individual differences in personality can be effectively explained with reference to genes.
To think how far we have come with medicine and technology is astounding. Looking into the biological model of abnormalities we learn that the focus is to connect a medical prospective to the variations in abnormal behavior. The text uses the case of Philip Berman, a person who exhibits a wide range of emotion when triggered with certain topics. In this case researchers are looking to find a glitch between his body chemistry and his behavior. The question here is: Can there be a connection between imperfect organisms within the body which in turn display abnormal behavior? We learn from the text that the brain has many parts that are designed to specific duties. If one of the nerves or cells is faulty, can it somehow be tied to the way a person acts? The answer is yes. We know that abnormal behavior is not just that of a mental disorder, and we know that certain chromosomal disorders have been proven to cause abnormalities within the human body. In Philip’s case, it is not necessarily a behavior that we know could be caused by a glitch in the system. We learned many facts about his life that can play a role in the way he carries himself. If we were looking into his genetic inheritance we might ask questions like the genetic makeup of the family history (i.e. has there been a history of mental disorder in the family?). Was Philip used to being an only child for so
The biological approach is useful in regards to treatment. This approach has led to many forms of treatments. The cognitive approach is also useful and has made important contributions to the field of psychology, particularly that for the treatment of depression. The cognitive approach has been applied successfully in therapy. One of the core expectations of the cognitive approach is that mental processes influence our behavior. A further similarity between the two approaches is that both are seen as deterministic approaches. The biological approach believes that behavior is determined by functions of neurons and the structure and functions of the brain. It aims to ‘predetermine’ our behavior so therapy can be developed to aid abnormal behavior. The cognitive approach outlines the importance of schemas and stereotypes. Schemas are seen to be important in an individual’s behavior. We acquire schemas through direct experiences. Another way we acquire schemas is through social interaction. Through interactions we also learn stereotypes. These schemas and stereotypes determine the way we interpret a situation. Furthermore, both the biological and cognitive approaches use scientific methods. Both approaches believe that behaviour should be tested and measured in a systematic
Psychopathology is what goes wrong with the mind. It is distress related to mental processes and statistical deviations from the norm. Psychopathology is what clinicians treat and researchers research (quoted in Frances & Widiger, 2012). Psychopathology has many possible definitions because it does not exist in a vacuum—the context affects the definition. Common themes in possible definitions include distress, dysfunction, disability, and dyscontrol, but none of these quite capture the whole picture (Frances & Widiger, 2012). What if a person is not distressed, but their behavior is clearly maladaptive, for example someone with antisocial personality disorder who manipulates others to achieve their goals? Is this person not pathological? Of
Barlow, D., Durand, V., & Stewart, S. (2009). Abnormal psychology an integrative apporach. (2nd ed.). United States of America: Wadsworth
I think the best, most logical, and most realistic explanation of abnormal behavior is the multicultural model, which according to the textbook is “the view that each culture within a larger society has a particular set of values and beliefs, as well as special external pressures, that help account for the behavior of its members” (62). This particular model attributes environmental and social factors as causing abnormal and dysfunctional psychological functions, because of their prominent and powerful influence on individuals’ conscious and subconscious, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This models also acknowledges and respects cultural diversity, while catering to these differences in ways that specifically emphasizes and celebrates these
There are various theories within the biological explanation as to why individuals commit criminal behaviour, these include: genetic theory, hereditary theory, psychosis and brain injury theory. In the next few paragraphs examples of each will be shown.
In some cases the causes of mental illness primarily found inside the individual. Some of them have been associated with an abnormal balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. If they are out of balance the communication between nerve cell in the brain disrupted (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of psychiatrist, 2005). Hence, leading to symptoms of mental illness like depression, schizophrenia. On the other hand, genetics also plays a significant role to acquire mental disorder, which is passed...
There are more contemporary biological theories that have since developed. However, most are still nearly impossible to prove true; for example, the genetic theory of crime in fraternal and identical twins. This study is supposed to provide evidence that those who are born with the same genetically heritable trait are more prone to crime than fraternal twins or siblings because of the ...