interactionism

• main assumption of the interactionist approach

  combination of biological and environmental factors
• how does the diathesis-stress model explain schizophrenia?

  result of an underlying vulnerability being triggered by environmental stressors
• what are the 3 parts of the diathesis-stress model?

  1. diathesis
  2. stress
  3. interaction
• define diathesis

  biological vulnerability
• outline "diathesis" as part of the diathesis-stress model explanation

  • original model suggested schizophrenia is caused by a single "schizogene" (Meehl)
  • modern research suggests a polygenic influence
  • dopamine imbalance or abnormal brain structures also contribute
• define stress

  environmental triggers
• outline "stress" as part of the diathesis-stress model

  • early theories focused on dysfunctional families
  • recent research highlights modern stressors e.g. cannabis, urban living and trauma
• outline the interaction between diathesis and stress

  • person with genetic predisposition may not develop schizophrenia unless exposed to significant stress
  • someone with low genetic risk may develop schizophrenia if exposed to extreme environmental stressors
• weakness of diathesis-stress model - simple

  • original model was too simplistic as suggested caused single "schizogene" and stress came from family dysfunction
  • modern research shows polygenic nature and other sources of stress
  • original model was outdated
• strength of diathesis-stress model - evidence

  • Tienari et al - found children with genetic risk were more likely to develop disorder if they were raised in dysfunctional families
  • environmental factors are crucial
  • genetic predisposition and external stressors contribute to schizophrenia
• strength of diathesis-stress model - real-world benefit

  • practical applications
  • Tarrier et al - receiving medication and CBTp had greater symptom reduction
  • schizophrenia has both biological and environmental causes
• what does the interactionist treatment combine?

  antipsychotic medication with psychological therapy
• what are the 2 key features of the interactionist approach to treatment?

  1. drug therapy
  2. psychological therapies
• outline drug therapy

  • antipsychotic medications reduce symptoms by affecting dopamine levels
  • drugs stabilise condition to make them more receptive to therapy
• outline psychological therapies

  • CBTp - challenge and manage delusions and hallucinations
  • family therapy - reduce stress and high expressed emotion
  • token economies - encourages positive behaviours
• why does combined treatment work better?

  • antipsychotics reduce severe symptoms
  • psychological therapies help develop coping strategies and improve social functioning
• weakness of interactionist treatment - suitability

  • not all patients can engage in psychological therapy
  • disorganised thoughts or delusions make it difficult to engage
  • individual differences
• strength of interactionist treatment - evidence

  • Tarrier et al - CBTp and medication had greater symptom reduction
  • medication treats biological symptoms and CBTp manages thoughts
  • both biological and psychological factors must be addressed
• strength of interactionist treatment - real-world

  • practical applications
  • holistic approach to treatment by recommending medication and CBTp
  • practical value in improving patient care