Learning Objectives
Name and outline the approach/model
(Ao1)
Describe how the approach explains
psychopathology/abnormality
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of
the approach and its assumptions (Ao2)
Biological (medical) Model (Ao1)
Main assumptions:
Psychological disorders are illnesses or
diseases affecting the nervous system
Abnormal behaviour, thinking and emotion
are caused by biological dysfunctions
Understanding mental illness involves
understanding what went wrong with the brain
Biological (medical) Model
Possible causes of abnormal behaviour:
Biochemistry – an imbalance of certain
neurotransmitters or hormones might cause
parts of the brain to malfunction
Structural damage or abnormality – if the
structure of the brain is damaged or
improperly formed then thinking, emotion and
behaviour may change
Biological (medical) Model
Factors that may affect NS functioning:
Genetics – inherited developmental
abnormality
Toxicity – chemical poisoning from e.g. drugs
or environmental toxins
Infection/disease – causing chemical or
structural damage to the brain
Stress – causing abnormal hormonal effects
in the long term
Brain Abnormality (Structure)
Brain Abnormality (Structure)
Brain Abnormality (Functioning)
KEY FEATURES OF THE BIOLOGICAL APPROACH
Assumption 1: mental abnormality has
physiological causes. These abnormalities may be
caused by chemical malfunctions in the brain or by
genetic disorders, e.g. too much dopamine in the
brain is linked with the mental illness called
schizophrenia. It is also clear that the eating
disorder called anorexia nervosa has a genetic
component.
Assumption 2: mental disorders can be treated in
ways similar to physical disorders. Can cure the
patient by using medical treatments, e.g.
medication (drugs), ECT and psychosurgery.
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BIOLOGICAL CAUSES OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Genetic factors
inherited predispositions to certain mental illnesses
(Anorexia Nervosa, Tourettes & Down’s Syndrome)
– Biochemistry
excessive or low amounts of certain biochemicals in the
brain (Dopamine – Schizophrenia, Serotonin Depression)
– Neuroanatomy
brain damage or inherited
structural/organisational defects (Autism)
– Treatment (acts on physiology)
Drugs (chemotherapy)
Genetic counselling / gene therapy possibly to come
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Psychosurgery
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*Biological Approach* (AO1)
Explain these in more detail…
Brain Damage
Abnormal behaviour
can occur if the
structure of the brain
is damaged
Infection
Some forms of infection
can give rise to types of
mental illness, such as
schizophrenia and
general paresis
Genes
Research suggests that
some people may be
genetically at risk of
developing certain
disorders
Biochemistry
Neurotransmitters are
thought to be
unbalanced in the
nervous system of
people who have some
psychological disorders
THE ROLE OF GENES AND
INFECTION (AO1)
GENES: Human Genome
Project concerned with
looking at DNA
sequencing to provide a
genetic link in psychiatric
disorders
INFECTION: Brown et al
(2004) link Flu to
Schizophrenia suggesting
that 14% of cases can be
linked to exposure to flu
virus in the womb during
the first trimester
(AO1) THE BIOLOGICAL APPROACH
EXPLAINS ABNORMALITY AS…
BIG B
B
Brain damage
I
G
infection
Genes
4 ways of explaining abnormality
B
Biochemistry
Activity: best explanations......
Work in pairs and decide which would be
the best biological explanation/s for the
following disorders.
– Anorexia
– Tourettes Syndrome
– Dementia
– Depression
– Schizophrenia
– Phobic Disorders
– OCD
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Defining Abnormality
Tourettes Syndrome
When watching the video make notes on the behaviour seen.
Then consider the evidence that Tourette’s Syndrome
is a biological illness?
Make sure you make notes for discussion afterwards.
Tourettes I swear I can't help it
Teenage Tourettes Camp
L5
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