Biological Approach to psychopathology
∙ The biological (medical) model assumes that all
mental disorders are caused by physical
factors – like illnesses.
Biological Approach to psychopathology
Such illnesses may be caused by one of four possible
factors: genes, biochemistry, neuro-anatomy and viral
infection
For example, Genetic inheritance can lead to
abnormality
Biological Approach to psychopathology
∙ According to this approach, mental illness can
be the result of genetic inheritance, and so are
passed from parent to child.
∙
Biological Approach to psychopathology
Many of the genes responsible for abnormal
behaviours are the product of evolutionary
adaptations in our ancestors, despite the fact
these traits are no longer useful
Biological Approach to psychopathology
∙ For example, psychologists suggest that the
‘stress genes’ evolved in order to help our
ancestors in times of danger to provide them
with the ‘fight or flight’ response which is no
longer as useful in our technological world.
Biological Approach to psychopathology
∙ Another suggestion is Viral infections can
also cause mental illness. Research suggests
that some disorders (such as schizophrenia)
may be related to the exposure to certain
viruses in the womb.
Biological Approach to psychopathology
∙ For example, Torrey (2001) found that the
mothers of many people with schizophrenia had
contracted a strain of influenza (flu) during
pregnancy.
biochemistry
Chemicals: an imbalance of neurochemicals can
lead to abnormality e.g. lack of serotonin leads
to depression, too much dopamine leads to
schizophrenia.
Environment
Environmental factors: Brain damage can occur due
to trauma (this could be an accident, or prolonged
stress e.g. PTSD)
Evaluation of the biological
Strengths: The medical (biological) treatment is a
move towards humaneness. The illness, rather than
blaming the patient blames the different suitations.
Some disorders do have a biological basis. However,
an exclusive emphasis may mean other factors are
overlooked.
Weaknesses: It is not clear whether the biological
response is an effect, rather than a cause. The
biological approach may be appropriate for physical
illness, but not for mental illness where symptoms are
less objective.
