Benefits and Blunders of the Biological Model
Due to strong roots in genetic studies and neurobiological research, the biological method of treating mental disorders has become increasingly more effective in recent decades. Psychologists using the biological model work with concrete causes of the disorders, whether this be an inherited trait or an imbalance in brain chemistry. By utilizing the physical causes of these disorders, researchers can target and eradicate the symptoms more efficiently. Unfortunately, the use of the biological model on its own can lead to neglect of other possible causes. This disregard for cognitive and behavioral causes and treatments could resign patients to an unfulfilling line of treatments, and more trouble in
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The Biological model can house many weaknesses within its parameters, particularly in respect to its effects on patients. The model can often be ambiguous and rather unhelpful in diagnosing and treating all types of patients. Dosage of medication oftentimes follows a rough outline of “guess and check” which can lead to elongated impairment of the the patient. The model also uses general ideations of brain chemistry to make informed judgements about individual patients, which can lead to a stunting lack of individualization that patients could benefit from. In using the Biological Model alone, other plausible causes may be disregarded, leaving the patient with an incomplete treatment plan and a decreased chance at improvement. Not only does the Biological model limit the recovery of the patient, but it can also limit their initial accessibility to these treatments. Many medications or procedures are expensive or only given by particular specialists depending on the disorder. In this, patients may find themselves unable to even …show more content…
Across widely studied disorders, the model has shown itself to be rather effective in reducing common symptoms. In the continuation of these treatments, patients can see results that last as long as their prescription does, which can be especially helpful when considering disorders such as OCD that tend to be recurrent over a lifetime. Despite variance in individuals, many medications provide some sort of relief to the patients, especially the more common disorders. This, perhaps, can be explained by the hard evidence that supports the theories of the model. Experiments can provide an in-depth exploration of a medication’s uses that can then be recorded more easily than the other two models. Though experiments are the only method in which causation can be implied, case studies and correlational studies can help to provide addition theories and information revolving around the ‘untestable’ aspects of biology. The Biological method also provides objective treatment options that can be beneficial regardless of who is administering the treatment, ultimately cutting down on the negative aspects of subjectivity from the therapist. Medication alone has no demographic preferences that could have possibly affected the outcome of treatment in other models with a human factor. In some cases, the stigma surrounding the Biological model can
Understanding psychological disorders are very important in human development, the first step is to define what is meant by a disorder. How do psychologists determine that there something is psychologically wrong with a person? What behaviours are abnormal? A psychological disorder, also known as a mental disorder, is a pattern of behavioural or psychological symptoms that impact multiple life areas and/or create distress for the person experiencing these symptoms. A clear sign of abnormal behaviour or mental state is when an individual's behaviour is destructive to themselves or their social group, such as family, friends. Above all psychological disorders create a maladaptive pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that lead to detriments in relationships and other life areas. There are several ethical issues in treating psychological disorders. There two ways of treating psychological disorders through; psychotherapy this form of treatment involves social interactions between a trained professional (therapist) and client. This is delivered on a one-to-one, face-to-face meeting. Another way of treating psychological disorder is through pharmacological treatments. This is the use of proactive drugs to treat certain disorders. This essay will aim to highlight the pros and cons of using pharmacological and psychological treatments.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently one of the most controversial groups of medicines, with fluoxetine, more commonly known by its brand name Prozac, at the head of the controversy. Opponents of the use of SSRI medications as a successful and safe method for treating depression and related disorders assert that the actions of the drug are an unnatural and a dangerous form of tampering with our neurochemistry. Not only are these medications incredibly safe in almost all cases, they are actually an unnatural method of modifying an already disordered, natural sequence of chemicals in the brain, and therefore are not a form of tampering, but are a method for fixing a disorder. Therefore, SSRI medications have only indirectly caused or will cause us to re evaluate what it means to be human, by giving us the realization that, although we are not perfect, we are good enough at changing our environments (both externally and internally) to ensure successful and comfortable survival. The part that troubles us as a society is the relatively new ability to change our internal environments, just as we have been changing our external environment for centuries. Some see using medications that alter the chemistry of the brain as tampering with the very thing that makes us human. In
The Psychodynamic Theory has not proven itself to be very effective. It helps people more when it is paired with other approaches, and is now the starting point, or basis, in other types of therapy (Comer, 2011).
Antidepressant medications and other treatments can often make an astonishing difference in depressive symptoms within a few weeks. With the right treatment eight out of ten people improve. Before the 20th century, most people experiencing depression went without diagnosis and treatment. Early, crude forms of sedatives were given to people with severe agitation, anxiety or psychotic depression. Like many other aspects of science there has been an evolutionary growth of the quality and range of availability of help for illnesses like this.
Human’s hereditary dispositions and ever-changing eventful life can influence the development of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The debate between nature and nurture captivates countless amounts of people who take a side and hold steadfast to their opinion. No agreement will ever be reached until one side can definitively prove the other one wrong beyond a reasonable doubt.
It is suggested that the link between neuroscience and behavior is the revolutionary technology and that clinicians accustomed with the essentials of these disciplines will be better prepared to "integrate pharmacological, behavioral, and social work technologies into a comprehensive treatment plan" (Ellinwood,
Through my extensive research on depression I have learned a lot of new things. I have learned about the many forms of depression and treatment for depression. I have also learned a little about what is believed to go on chemically in the brain of a clinically depressed person. I was also able to partially determine what sort of role genetics, chemicals and personal influences in the brain. Though I was unable to determine exactly how environmental and personal stress can cause a chemical imbalance in a person, I was even able to speculate about this issue and determine some theories of my own on why and how this may happen.
Color of eyes, straight or curly hair, light to dark skin and certain diseases are all characteristics that can be biologically inherited. These characteristics cannot be changed by experiences or learned behavior because they have been genetically passed on. If this is true, can the same be said for mental disorders? However, there is research that could suggest what parts of the brain are affected. Like other brain i...
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
Bio-Psychologists study the principles of biology as it relates to the comprehension of psychology in the field neuroscience that underlies ones emotions, ideology, and actions (Brittanica). Based upon the conduction of research, the relationship between the brain and ones behavior extends to the physiological process in one’s intellect. Scientists are cognizant that neurotransmitters function as a significant role in mood regulation and other aspects of psychological problems including depression and anxiety. A biological perspective are relevant to psychology in three techniques including: the comparative method, physiology, and the investigation of inheritance (Saul Mc. Leod).
The biological approach emphasizes physical and biological bases of behaviour. It looks at how brain functions influence different behaviours and personality. The study of nervous system has played a major role in the development of biological approach to psychology. On the other hand, the psychoanalytic approach explains personality, motivation and psychological disorders by focusing on the influence of early childhood experiences, unconscious motives and conflicts. This essay attempts to explain biological and psychoanalytic approaches to psychology with focus on their core assumptions, key features, similarities and differences.
OCD Meds not likely to replace therapy: the challenge is to tailor the right combination of treatments for patient. (Jan. 1997). Behavioral Health Treatment, v2 n1 pg1
The cause of Clinical depression has long been a mystery to physicians and researchers. Many different theories have been proposed, but no conclusive evidence has been put forth. However, most of what we know about depression stems from the results of certain drugs which have been successful in treating the clinically depressed. These anti--depressants have led to the assumption that depression is most likely due to a chemical imbalance (of neurotransmitters) which somehow leads to the symptoms of depression. To try and write a paper on all the theories of depression would be endless, as would be a study on all the different types of anti-depressants. Therefore I have tried to focus my paper on the serotonin hypothesis for depression, and more specifically how the serotonergic anti-depressants have backed up this theory. Of course, Any paper on serotonin-based anti-depressants must include the popular Prozac. Because of the excitement And controversy surrounding Prozac, I decided to channel most of my paper into the action of this so-called "wonder drug".
In a closer view of some these distinguished therapy techniques described by Shelder (2010), we can infer that the established patterns in behaviors,
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...