interactionist approach to explain/treat schiz

• singular explanations for schiz

  Singular explanations for schizophrenia are often criticised for being failing to consider the multiple factors involved in the complex disorder of schizophrenia. The interactionist explanation therefore emphasises that multiple factors are involved in the development of schizophrenia. These can include biological factors (e.g. genes), psychological factors (e.g. coping mechanisms) and environmental factors (e.g. family dysfunction, a traumatic event etc.)
• The diathesis-stress model - outline interactionist approach

  The diathesis-stress model is an example of an interactionist explanation that proposes that schizophrenia can only develop if the individual has a vulnerability to developing the disorder as well as a stressor that acts as a trigger. In the original diathesis-stress model, the diathesis/vulnerability was always a genetic one while stressors could include various triggers such as trauma, family dysfunction, cannabis use etc.
• the modern diathesis-stress model - outline interactionist approach

  In the more modern diathesis-stress model, the diathesis/vulnerability could be various things that could make you later more vulnerable to developing schizophrenia such as a genetic vulnerability, early birth complications, childhood trauma etc.
•  strength of the interactionist explanation is that it has received supporting evidence

  E.g. research has found that MZ twins who share 100% of their genes have higher concordance rates than DZ twins who share 50% of their genes. Though concordance rates in MZ twins are never 100%. This is a strength because it suggests that while genetics do play a role (hence the higher concordance rates), other factors must also be involved such as environmental triggers (hence why MZ twins do not share a 100% concordance rate despite sharing the same genes). Therefore adds credibility.
• Another strength of the interactionist explanation is that it is better able to explain the differences in how schizophrenia presents in different people

  This is because people experience different symptoms e.g. one might experience more positive symptoms such as delusions while another might experience more negative symptoms such as avolition. This is a strength because singular, reductionist explanations fail to explain the diversity of symptoms given there is a supposed singular cause.
• interactionist approach diversity symptoms

  the interactionist approach is better able to explain the diversity of symptoms because different people may have different types of vulnerabilities or stressors that interact to result in different symptoms. Therefore adds credibility.
• limitation of the interactionist explanation is that it lacks explanatory power

  This is because it simply states the multiple factors that may be involved in the development of schizophrenia but fails to explain how they interact and how different combinations can lead to different symptoms. This is a limitation because it suggests that the interactionist explanation for schizophrenia is not yet fully developed. Therefore questions credibility.
• strength of the i.e. - led to more effective treatments.

  This is because it considers multiple factors involved in schiz so encourages a more holistic treatment programme whereby the multiple variable involved can be targeted. E.g. it is now common practice that schizophrenia patients are given medication (to help tackle biological factors) as well as talking therapies (to help tackle psychological and environmental factors). strength because the therapies are found to be more effective when combined than when used on their own as a singular treatment. adds credibility.
• outline the interactionist approach to treating schiz.

  Singular treatments (e.g. drug therapy, family therapy or CBT) are often not sufficient when it comes to treating schizophrenia. E.g. only 70% of schizophrenic patients report reduced symptoms when taking antipsychotic medication, suggesting that there may be other factors involved in their disorder that also need addressing (e.g. environmental circumstances such as family dysfunction. The interactionist approach to treating schizophrenia was therefore developed from the interactionist approach to explaining schizophrenia.
• why is singular treatments no sufficient when treating schiz

  This is because it is recognised that various biological, psychological and environmental factors contribute to the development of schizophrenia and so treatments should involve addressing these various factors. As a result, the interactionist approach to treating schizophrenia involves a combination of treatments, with patients typically receiving a drug therapy alongside a psychological therapy. This means that many schizophrenic individuals will be offered antipsychotic medication and CBT or family therapy.
•  strength of the interactionist approach to treating schizophrenia is that it has received supporting evidence.

  E.g. research has shown that patients in the early stages of schizophrenia who receive a combination of antipsychotics and a psychological therapy have improved quality of life and social functioning and are less likely to discontinue treatment or relapse than those taking antipsychotics alone. This is a strength as it suggests a combination of treatments is more effective than a singular treatment. adds credibility.
• limitation of the interactionist approach - received contradictory evidence.

  some studies have found that combining treatments has not been appropriate for all schizophrenic patients. This is because severe schiz patients receiving both drug therapies and CBT may interpret the side effects of their drugs in a delusional manner (the drugs are trying to harm them) so may mistrust their therapist. limitation because the patient may resist any further psychological treatment which means they wouldn’t be treated or at an increased risk of relapse. questions credibility.
• limitation of the interactionist approach to treating schizophrenia is that it is more costly than singular treatment programmes

  This is because a combination of drug and psychological therapies will cost more money for the NHS in terms of developing and prescribing drugs as well as training and funding therapists. This is a limitation because the NHS is often under-funded and so they may not be able to offer interactionist treatments in practice. Therefore questions credibility.