3

• For

  • it can detect predispositions to development of psychological disorders
  • detect mental illnesses, MRI scans reliable & consistently shows structure, MRI of adolescents who are high risk of developing schizo, consistently show structural & functioning abnormalities, early interventions (drug therapy) prevent/delay on set psychosis
  • WIDER READING - DBS (deep brain stimulation) used for treating parkinsons & depression = improve quality of life
  • benefits > costs if we have evidence for a physical/psychological basis for mental illness = helps reduce stigmatation
• Against(1/2)

  • biological explanations of psychological disorders are reductionist
  • simplified explanation for complex human behaviour (mental illnesses) supressing human emotion to 'robot-like' explanation = unethical. consideration to enviro factors for mental illnesses (e.g. trauma, adverse childhood experiences etc..). treating mental illness physically can lead to 'revolving door syndrome'
• Against (2/2)

  • dbs = invasive = lead to addiction & impulsive behaviour & we don't know a lot about them
  • benefits < costs bc unpleasant side effects (dbs leads to impulsive behaviours) and issues with reductionist explanation
• Mini conc

  • economic - treating & detecting psychological physically only = 'revolving door syndrome' = require more dr appointments = costs more ££ for NHS, practioner & clients
  • ethical - reducing psychological disorders to simple explanations = unethical, fails to consider the integrated life experience of the indiv - misuse of medications to treat ADHD, in short-term memory it helps improve attention span, long-term can impair working memory so is seen as unethical