How the Medical Model of Psychopathology and the Family Systems Model Reflect Linear and Circular Causality Respectively by Referring to the Causes of Schizophrenia.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
DEFINITION OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
THE MEDICAL MODEL * POSSIBLE MEDICAL CAUSES FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA * SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA * DISCUSSION OF THE DSM-IV-TR
THE FAMILY SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE
CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
In this assignment I will show how the medical model of Psychopathology and the family systems model reflect linear and circular causality respectively by referring to the causes of Schizophrenia.
SCHIZOPHRENIA
Schizophrenia is characterised by a broad spectrum of cognitive and emotional dysfunctions that include delusions and hallucinations, disorganized speech and behaviour and inappropriate emotions. It disrupts social, occupational and recreational functioning and almost every other aspect of daily functioning. It is usually chronic with a high relapse rate and recovery from Schizophrenia is rare.
MEDICAL MODEL
The DSM-IV-TR is based on the medical model. The basic assumption is that psychological disorders are diseases and are treated as such. In his definition of the medical model, Blaney (1975) stated that mental disorders are in fact organic diseases. He further explained that the visible evidences of disorders are merely manifestations of an underlying condition. According to him, the individual has no responsibility for his/her behaviour.
The medical/biological model reflects a linear view of the causes of Psychopathology. Linear causality means that a particular cause (or more than one cause in combination) leads to a specific effect (e.g. a virus causes an illness). Thus, from this perspective, event A causes event B (A -> B) in a linear (unidirectional) fashion. In this linear way of thinking, our reality is considered to be separate from us. We are thus seen as reacting to our reality rather than creating it (Becvar, 2003).
Possible medical causes for Schizophrenia: * Genetic influences – Inherited tendency (multiple genes) are responsible for making some individuals vulnerable
INTRODUCTION
DEFINITION OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
THE MEDICAL MODEL * POSSIBLE MEDICAL CAUSES FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA * SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA * DISCUSSION OF THE DSM-IV-TR
THE FAMILY SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE
CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
In this assignment I will show how the medical model of Psychopathology and the family systems model reflect linear and circular causality respectively by referring to the causes of Schizophrenia.
SCHIZOPHRENIA
Schizophrenia is characterised by a broad spectrum of cognitive and emotional dysfunctions that include delusions and hallucinations, disorganized speech and behaviour and inappropriate emotions. It disrupts social, occupational and recreational functioning and almost every other aspect of daily functioning. It is usually chronic with a high relapse rate and recovery from Schizophrenia is rare.
MEDICAL MODEL
The DSM-IV-TR is based on the medical model. The basic assumption is that psychological disorders are diseases and are treated as such. In his definition of the medical model, Blaney (1975) stated that mental disorders are in fact organic diseases. He further explained that the visible evidences of disorders are merely manifestations of an underlying condition. According to him, the individual has no responsibility for his/her behaviour.
The medical/biological model reflects a linear view of the causes of Psychopathology. Linear causality means that a particular cause (or more than one cause in combination) leads to a specific effect (e.g. a virus causes an illness). Thus, from this perspective, event A causes event B (A -> B) in a linear (unidirectional) fashion. In this linear way of thinking, our reality is considered to be separate from us. We are thus seen as reacting to our reality rather than creating it (Becvar, 2003).
Possible medical causes for Schizophrenia: * Genetic influences – Inherited tendency (multiple genes) are responsible for making some individuals vulnerable
References: * Barlow, D.H., & Durand, V.M. (2005). Abnormal Psychology: An integrated approach. (4th ed.). Belmont: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning * Becvar, D.S., & Becvar, R.J. (2003). Family therapy: A systemic integration. (5th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon. * Blaney, P.H. (1975). Implications of the medical model and its alternatives. American Journal of Psychiatry, 132, p.911-914. * Johnstone, E.C., Crow, T.J., Frith, C.D., Hurhard, J. & Kreel, L. (1976). Cerebral ventricular size and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Lancet, ii, p. 924-926. * Sue, D., Sue, D., & Sue, S. (2006). Understanding abnormal behaviour. (8th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.