Models Used To Explain Normal and Abnormal Behaviour - Coursework Example

Mental Disorder Medical explanation Treatments/therapies used& ethical implications: Environmental explanation Treatments/therapies used& ethical implications: Depression Depression is a disorder that is characterised by the consistent feeling of sadness, loss, and worthlessness and disinterest in activities that were formally liked (Varcarolis, 2010). Depression may result from a combination of psychological, environmental, biochemical and genetic factors. Any stressful situation may lead an individual to experience depression, such as loss of a loved one and traumatic experience (Varcarolis, 2010). Neurotransmitters are thought to be directly involved in the development of depression. Depression occurs when serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are prevented from reaching the central nervous system (Natash 2013). The main medical treatment for depression is antidepressants. Types of anti-depressants used include: 1) Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such Sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine, and fluvoxamine. 2) Serotonin and Noradrenalin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, and duloxetine 3) Reversible Inhibitors of MonoAmine oxidase (RIMAs) such as moclobemide 4) TriCyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) such as nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, imipramine, and amitriptyline. Antidepressants make patients feel better but do not change their personality. Also, they do not make patients feel happy all the time. The medications have side effects such as anxiety, dizziness, and weight gain among others. Not all patients will take the medications as prescribed. According to the behavioural theory, depression is learnt. Depression is caused by stressors in the environment and lack of personal skill. The environmental stressors lead a person to have low positive reinforcements. One way in which positive reinforcement occurs is thorough participating in rewarding and pleasurable activities. The learning theory holds that when positive reinforcements are received, they increase the chances of redoing the action that led to the reinforcement. People tend to repeat the actions or behaviours that got reinforced. For example, people go to work daily because of pay and insurance benefits. Those who are depressed are those who cannot find a way to cope with their situations. For example, a person who gets fired and faces difficulties in getting a new job may get depressed. People in depression have increased awareness of the fact that they cannot cope with the situation. This leads them to criticize themselves and withdraw from others. Worse still, some people get positive reinforcement when family members have pity on them and give them special privileges because they are considered ‘sick’. For instance, when a spouse is depressed, their partner may do their chores as they sleep in bed. If they never liked performing the chores initially, getting depressed so as to evade the chores may be rewarding (Astarita 2013). Treatments used against depression include cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. The planned therapies may not work for all patients. Treatments should be tailored to individual needs and disorder type. Patients may not be cooperative with therapists thereby reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is characterised by abnormal social behaviour and difficulty in separating reality from fantasy (Varcarolis, 2010). The disorder is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Symptoms of the disorder include confusion, low social engagement, lower emotional expression, and hearing sounds that in reality do not exist. Genetics and environmental factors in combination may lead to the development of anxiety disorders. The disorders may be caused by different factors including certain drugs and stress (Varcarolis, 2010). Schizophrenia occurs when an important cell maintenance process referred to as autophagy fails to occur or occurs less in the brain. The process of autophagy helps clean up cells by removing their dysfunctional and unwanted components. During the process, a membrane surrounds and consumes the component. This is important in keeping the cell healthy. When autophagy fails to occur, the cell dies. When cells die, lower amounts of beclin 1 reach the hippocampus (a part of the brain that is important for learning and memory). Beclin is important in initiating autophagy (Expand the Future, 2013). Although there is no known treatment for schizophrenia, antipsychotic antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications help in reducing psychotic symptoms. Not all patients will take the mediations as prescribed. The medications make patients feel better but do not change their personality. Also, they do not make patients feel happy all the time. The medications have side effects such as anxiety, trouble with muscle control, dizziness, muscle spasms and weight gain among others. Pavlav behavioural theory: High sensitivity to the environment causes them to either close up or escalate internally. Just as it happens with normal people, they react to stimulus. For example, a favourite song may lead to euphoria, while an untidy house may lead the patient to experience depression. Treatments used against schizophrenia include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), group therapy, and family therapy. CBT is used to change the negative thoughts of a patient to more realistic ones. This way, a patient is able to face their problem as opposed to letting them become bigger (schizophrenia.com, 2004). The planned therapies may not work for all patients. Treatments should be tailored to individual needs and disorder type. Patients, family members or group members may not be cooperative with therapists thereby reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. The patient may suffer stigmatization knowing that they are considered insane. Anxiety disorders There are several types of anxiety disorders including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder (Varcarolis, 2010). There is no medical explanation for anxiety disorders. Certain characteristics like nurotism (a person’s emotional stability) are believed to be a potential cause of anxiety disorder. Someone who has high nurotism may, for example, interpret failure in one examination as failure in life. This may make them become highly stressed to the extent of losing concentration in the next examination (Sevencounties.org 2014) Anxiety disorder medications include 1) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa) and venlafaxine (Effexor) 2) Tricyclic anti-depressants such as imipramine and clomipramine (Anafranil, Elavor, Tofranil) 3) Anxiety-reducing drugs such as Alprazolam Valium, and Xanax; and buspirone (BuSpar) 4) Cardiac drugs (beta-blockers) The medications have side effects such as constipation, dry mouth, blurry vision, and urinary retention. Long term use of drugs may result in tolerance and dependence problems. The family can play a role in leading someone to experience anxiety disorders. If, for example, a child watches a parent become anxious and worried, they too can become anxious and worried. Stressors are also known to cause anxiety disorders. Factors such as abuse, chaotic homes, divorce, and drug abuse may make a victim experience intense fear and psychological disturbances, leading them to believe that the world is threatening (Meek 2008). Since there are many types of anxiety disorders the type and length of therapy differs greatly. The most commonly used therapy is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). CBT addresses negative patterns as well as distortions in how individuals perceive themselves and the world. CBT is applied in the treatment of panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder among others. The therapy involves two components: 1 Cognitive therapy addresses negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. 2 Behaviour therapy addresses how the patient behaves and responds to situations that lead to anxiety. Other solutions include exposure therapy and complimentary therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) (Helpguide.com 2014). The planned therapies may not work for all patients. The therapies may not make patients less anxious all the time. Treatments should be tailored to individual needs and disorder type. Patients may not be cooperative with therapists thereby reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. Models Used To Explain ‘Normal’ and ‘Abnormal’ Behaviour Introduction Generally, abnormal or dysfunctional behaviour is behaviour that if different from that which is normal or typical and is therefore undesirable (Mangal, 2008). Normal behaviour on the other hand is behaviour that is generally appropriate or desirable. There is disagreement between experts on how exactly to distinguish between normal and abnormal behaviour. There are several criterion used to distinguish between normal and abnormal behaviour, each with its share of strengths and limitations. The main criteria in this respect include maladaptivity, inadequate functioning, deviation from mental health that is ideal, morality, mental illness, statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, distress, and observer discomfort (Mangal, 2008). The models used to explain normal and abnormal behaviour have majorly been influenced by socio-cultural factors. So far, there are a number of models that are applied to explain normal and abnormal behaviour. These include the medical, cognitive, humanistic, and the behaviour models. The Medical Model According to the medical or biological model, abnormality is a disease (General Psychology 2014). According to this model, a disease is caused by a destructive organism and has symptoms. For instance, if cold is the disease, then a virus is the cause, and cough is the symptom. Administering treatment to symptoms can only eliminate the symptom but not the disease itself. This may result in adverse side effects. Furthermore, there are difficulties in determining the underlying factors or causes of abnormal behaviour going by the medical model. The medical model has a few strengths and weaknesses. The model holds that those who are mentally ill are sick. Treating mental illnesses like any other disease gives patients the opportunity to be treated with more sympathy. The model also holds that mental illnesses can be cured, especially given that remedies for some mental illnesses are currently known. Furthermore, the model holds that the patient is not to be blamed for their condition in as much as they may be dangerous to themselves and other people. This model has proven useful in treating mental conditions such as schizophrenia. On the flip side, the sympathy that abnormal persons enjoy from normal people may cause people to avoid them, which make them feel shunned. Another disadvantage with the model is that labelling people as mentally ill leads to stigmatization (General Psychology 2014). The medical model has been criticised for focusing more on the symptoms of abnormal behaviour rather than its cause. It is also difficult to separate the effects of the environment and genetics going by the medical model. The Behavioural Model The behaviour model considers ‘normal’ to be a behaviour that is adaptive, while ‘abnormal’ a behaviour that is maladaptive. Abnormal behaviours are learnt from the environment according to the behaviour model (Patidar 2013). The behaviour model overcomes the limitation of the medical model in that it does not label the individual as abnormal or ill but instead considers behaviour as being maladaptive or adaptive. What this means is that the model takes into account cultural and personal differences. While the model is criticised for focusing on symptoms rather than causes of abnormal behaviour like its biological counterpart, its strength lies in the fact that it is effective in treating certain orders. However, many critics note that effects of treatments based on the behaviour model always do not last long and that its therapies are unethical and dehumanizing. The Psychodynamic Model The psychodynamic model, a brain child of Sigmund Freud, assumes that mental disorders have psychological roots (Pbworks 2007). In other words, the disorders are rooted in the unconscious mind and come into being if the defence mechanisms do not effectively protect the ego from anxiety. The model holds that some of the problems that adults experience are reflections of conflicts that occurred earlier in their lives; possibly during infancy or childhood. Treatments based on this model basically focus on accessing the unconscious and confronting and resolving the conflicts therein. The model has several strengths. For one the therapies that are applied in treating abnormal behaviour are derived from day-to-day life (Pbworks 2007). The model also has an advantage in that it does not awaken childhood traumas, views psychological distress more optimistically, and treats those with abnormal behaviours more humanely. One down side of this model is that its theoretical assumptions are devoid of scientific evidence as noted by Pbworks (2007). Furthermore, it overemphasizes internal conflicts and instincts while underestimating the role played by context and situation. The Cognitive Model Although the cognitive model assumes that abnormal behaviour is learnt, like its behavioural counterpart, it focuses on teaching the patient to think differently (as opposed to behave differently) (Pbworks 2007). Treatments based on the cognitive model are founded on the premise that behaviour change may be achieved if the patient’s emotions and feelings toward something are changed. This model has proven to be successful in treating different disorders including phobias and compulsive disorders. In as much as the model does not address the direct cause of abnormal behaviour, like the behavioural and cognitive models, its strength is in the fact that it attempts to alter the situation to a greater extent than its counterparts. The Humanistic Model The Humanistic Model assumes that humans are rational and have the capacity to make their own choices (Pbworks 2007). The model further holds that humans tend to be motivated to be fulfilled. According to the model, psychological problems arise when individuals experience incongruence between their two selves; the ideal self and the real self. The model does not label people as having mental disorders which mean that it does not lead to stigmatisation. Treatments that are founded on this model focus on solving the unique problems of the individual by providing them with a therapeutic environment that helps the individual find their own solution to their problem. This model has several strengths. For one, it is based on scientific research, unlike the psychodynamic model and assumes a more optimistic approach to dealing with abnormal behaviours (Pbworks 2007). Furthermore, the model is ethical as it focuses on the person and facilitates personal self cure. However, the disadvantage of the model comes in respect of the fact that it neglects the importance of social and environmental factors. The model also tends to impose western culture on the individual and may not treat certain conditions especially if reluctance to diagnose a condition is a reality. Difficulties Involved In Diagnosing Mental Illness and their Usefulness The diagnosis of mental illnesses involves several steps including evaluating symptoms and the patient’s medical history, performing physical exams, and applying various tests. One of the tests commonly used to diagnose mental illness is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM) (The Seattle Times 2014). The DSM specifies the symptoms and their minimum number that a patient must exhibit to be considered to be suffering from a particular disorder. The usefulness of this and other tests comes in the fact that they ensure uniformity in the diagnoses of mental illnesses. However, many patients always end up being misdiagnosed because the symptoms of many mental disorders are similar (The Seattle Times 2014). The result of this is that patients may end up being given treatments that worsen their conditions. Furthermore, the theoretical leanings and judgements of service providers may sway the results of their diagnoses. Diagnosing patients may also be a difficult task when they are high on drugs, experience hallucinations, or are having panic attacks (The Seattle Times 2014). References Astrarita G. 2013, Behaviourist explanation of disorders (depression), viewed April 4, 2014 . Expand the Future 2013, Toward a molecular explanation of schizophrenia, viewed April 4, 2014 . General Psychology 2014, Medical model of abnormal behaviour, viewed April 4, 2014 . Helpguide.com 2014, Therapy for anxiety disorder, cognitive therapy, exposure therapy and other options, viewed April 4, 2014 . ibpsychx 2012, IB Psychology, examine the concepts of normality and abnormality, viewed April 4, 2014 . Mangal S.K. 2008, Abnormal Psychology. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. Meek W. 2008, Environmental causes of GADs, viewed April 4, 2014 . Natash T. 2013, Causes of depression: what is depression?, viewed April 4, 2014 . Patidar J. 2013, Concepts of normal and abnormal behaviour, viewed April 4, 2014 . Schizophrenia.com 2004, Cognitive Behaviour therapy and schizophrenia, viewedApril 4, 2014 . Pbworks 2007, Abnormality Models, viewed April 4, 2014 . Sevencounties.org 2014, Biological explanation of anxiety disorder, viewed April 4, 2014 . The Seattle Times 2014. Diagnosis of Mental Illness Hinges on Doctor As Much As Symptoms The Seattle Times, viewed April 4, 2014 . Varcarolis. E 2010, Manual of Psychiatric Nursing Care Planning: Assessment Guides, Diagnoses and Psychopharmacology, Saunders Elsevier, New York. Read More