Interactionist Approach

• the idea that there are biological, psychological and societal factors in the development of schizophrenia
• The diathesis-stress model proposes that a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors contribute to the development of schizophrenia
• The diathesis-stress model suggests that individuals who are genetically predisposed to schizophrenia will only develop the condition if they are exposed to environmental stressors such as trauma, drug use, or social isolation
• The model is important because it provides a useful framework for understanding the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the development of schizophrenia, which can inform the development of more effective treatments and interventions
• Sudak (2011) reports that antipsychotics drug medication combined with CBT strengthens adherence to drug treatment, as the CBT gives the patient rational insight into the benefits of adhering to their drug treatment, increasing their changes of improvement. this illustrates a benefit of combining treatments
• Guo et al (2010) reported that patients in the early states of schizophrenia who receive a combination of antipsychotics and a psychological therapy have improved insight, quality of life and social functioning and are therefore less likely to discontinue treatment or relapse than those taking antipsychotics alone, illustrating the value of a combined treatment
• Hogarty et al (1986) assessed relapse rates in 103 schizophrenics from high expressed emotion families receiving various treatments, finding first-year relapse rates of 19% for family therapy plus drugs, 20% for social support plus drugs, 41% for drug treatments alone and 0% for family therapy, social support and drugs. supporting the idea of combining treatments to increase their effectiveness