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The Medical Model of Mental Illness

Core Definition and Context

The Medical Model Perspective

The medical model of mental illness views psychological disorders primarily as biologically based diseases or brain disorders. It assumes that mental illnesses have specific physiological causes and can be diagnosed, classified, and treated much like physical illnesses. This perspective marked an important shift from earlier supernatural or moral explanations to a scientific, biological understanding.

THREE KEY BIOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONS

The medical model relies on these three primary mechanisms to explain the etiology of psychological disorders:

1

Biochemical Explanation

This focuses on the role of neurotransmitters.
2

Genetic Explanation

Study of inheritance and genetic factors that predispose individuals to mental disorders.
3

Brain Abnormality

Structural or functional abnormalities in brain regions can also explain mental illness.

Biological Mechanisms Glossary

Detailed definitions of the core biological causes identified by the model.

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Biochemical Explanation

Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are thought to contribute to various mental illnesses.
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Genetic Explanation

Genes contribute to vulnerability, but environmental factors often play a role in triggering the disorder.
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Brain Abnormality

Neuroimaging techniques show differences in brain size, connectivity, or activity in individuals with disorders.

Key Research: Gottesman et al. (2010)

Highlighting the evidence for genetic transmission of mental illness.

Disorders in offspring with two psychiatrically ill parents
The study found that offspring of two psychiatrically ill parents had a significantly higher risk of developing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric conditions compared to the general population. This research supports the genetic explanation within the medical model but also demonstrates that genetics is not deterministic; gene-environment interactions are critical.

Biological Treatment Application

Considering the biological treatment of schizophrenia using antipsychotic medications.

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Efficacy (The Pros) Antipsychotic medications (neuroleptics) block dopamine receptors in the brain, reducing hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Biological treatment offers significant symptom relief and can reduce relapse rates.
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Ethical Concerns (The Cons) However, side effects like tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements) and weight gain are concerns, demonstrating ethical considerations in treatment.

Methodological Issues and Debates

The medical model is subject to several key debates and criticisms in psychological science.

Issue Perspective Implication
Nature/Nurture Emphasizes Nature Environmental triggers are acknowledged.
Reductionism Often criticized Ignores psychological or social factors.
Freewill/Determinism Suggests Determinism Caused by biological factors beyond individual control.
Usefulness High practical utility Led to effective treatments improving many lives.
Psychology as a Science Strengthened legitimacy Uses biological measures (genetics, neuroimaging).

Summary Insight

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Core Conclusion: In summary, the medical model frames mental illness as biologically based, supported by research into neurotransmitters, genetics, and brain abnormalities. This approach underpins the development of biological treatments that have transformed mental health care but faces criticism over its limitations and reductionism.

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Medical Model of Mental Illness Flashcards
Term
Medical Model of Mental Illness

What is the medical model of mental illness?

Answer
Definition

It views mental illnesses as biologically based diseases or brain disorders that can be diagnosed, classified, and treated like physical illnesses.

Term
Biological Explanations

Name the three key biological explanations in the medical model.

Answer
Explanations

Biochemical explanation, genetic explanation, and brain abnormality.

Term
Neurotransmitter & Depression

What neurotransmitter is linked to depression according to the medical model?

Answer
Neurotransmitter

Serotonin (low levels associated with depression).

Term
Genetic Explanation

How does the genetic explanation contribute to understanding mental illness?

Answer
Explanation

It shows that genetic factors predispose individuals to mental disorders but environmental factors also influence onset.

Term
Brain Abnormalities & Schizophrenia

What brain abnormalities are linked to schizophrenia?

Answer
Abnormalities

Enlarged ventricles and reduced grey matter.

Term
Gottesman et al. (2010)

What did Gottesman et al. (2010) find regarding children of two psychiatrically ill parents?

Answer
Finding

They have a much higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, supporting the genetic basis of mental illness.

Term
Antipsychotic Drugs

How do antipsychotic drugs treat schizophrenia?

Answer
Treatment

By blocking dopamine receptors to reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.

Term
Criticisms of the Medical Model

What are some criticisms of the medical model?

Answer
Criticisms

It is reductionist, ignoring psychological/social factors, and emphasizes biological determinism.

Term
Ethical Concerns

What ethical concerns arise from biological treatments?

Answer
Concerns

Side effects such as tardive dyskinesia and issues around informed consent and stigmatization.

Term
Impact on Psychology

How does the medical model impact psychology as a science?

Answer
Impact

It strengthens scientific legitimacy through biological measures like genetics and neuroimaging.

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🧠 Medical Model of Mental Illness Quiz

1. Which of the following is NOT one of the three key biological explanations in the medical model of mental illness?

Social learning theory is a psychological explanation, not a biological one central to the medical model.

2. Which neurotransmitter imbalance is commonly linked to schizophrenia according to the medical model?

Dopamine overactivity is associated with schizophrenia symptoms.

3. Gottesman et al. (2010) study supports which explanation for mental illness?

The study found offspring of two mentally ill parents have higher risk, indicating genetic influence.

4. What is a common side effect of antipsychotic medication?

Tardive dyskinesia involves involuntary movements and is a known side effect of antipsychotics.

5. Which of the following is a criticism of the medical model?

The medical model focuses mainly on biological causes, often ignoring psychological and social factors.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • A Level
  • Mental Health
  • OCR