Introduction & Effects of Mental Health (AQA GCSE Psychology): Flashcards

False.

Environmental mastery is being able to adapt to and meet the demands of different situations.

Social stigma is the negative stereotyping and expectations that others have of those who have a mental illness, e.g. depression or schizophrenia.

It marks someone out as being ‘different’ in socially undesirable ways, e.g. dangerous or unpredictable — which makes it very difficult to lead a normal life, as the label may impede their job prospects and relationships.

False.

The term ‘mental health problem’ does not impose the same negative stigma as those out-dated terms.

Culture bias is the assumption that one culture above all others provides a template for ‘normality’; that other cultures are viewed as inferior or abnormal if they do not fit this model; and that members of such ‘inferior’ cultures may be treated negatively or unfairly.

It ignores social factors such as culture.

More people from African-Caribbean backgrounds are diagnosed with schizophrenia in the UK and USA than are Caucasian people.

Guarnaccia et al. found that people from Puerto Rico may respond to stress with fainting fits and heart palpitations, but that these symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as panic attacks or anxiety disorders by clinicians from the USA.

False.

Culture bias is more likely to affect people from collectivist cultures.

They are more likely to be guided by culture-bound concepts of mental health; and they are more likely to use traditional forms of treatment rather than adhering to the biomedical model — e.g. in Haiti, voodoo is used as a treatment for a range of physical and mental illnesses.

Modern living refers to how society functions in the twenty-first century — e.g. economic, political and cultural changes, advances in technology such as social media, and people living in more populated areas such as cities.

Any four of: poor nutrition; money worries; unhealthy living conditions (e.g. damp); a polluted environment; and lack of opportunity, e.g. in education and employment.

People move to larger cities, lose contact with friends and family, and live their lives online rather than in the flesh.

An ageing population brings an increased risk of people suffering from dementia, experiencing loneliness and becoming prone to depression.

False.

There has been a rapid rise in depression, whereas schizophrenia has increased at a more stable rate.

Changes in symptoms and classifications may result in more individuals meeting the criteria for diagnosis; and mental health problems have become less of a stigma in some cultures, meaning more individuals are seeking treatment.

From the 19th century onwards, developing further throughout the 20th century — when treatments such as drugs and psychoanalysis became common.

Classification systems such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) were developed as psychiatry grew.

Genetics, an imbalance in neurochemistry, and abnormalities in brain structure.

Faulty information processing and irrational thoughts.

The biopsychosocial model, particularly in Western countries — with the biomedical model now appearing outdated.

They may find it difficult to understand what other people are feeling — which damages relationships, since successful communication depends on both people understanding each other.

They may experience stress as a result of caring for or living with an individual with poor mental health.

Because of increasing relationship pressure points — e.g. issues with money, erratic behaviour and unpredictable mood.

They may find it difficult to cope with the situation, and so may distance themselves from the person.

The children may have to take on the role of their parent’s carer; and they may be placed into care if the parent is deemed incapable of providing a safe and stable environment.

A common symptom of depression is a loss of motivation or interest, and so individuals may isolate themselves from others.

False.

Isolation may result in friends and family feeling excluded, which damages the relationship further.

Coping with everyday life is a characteristic of good mental health — being able to manage daily tasks and take care of the self through good personal hygiene, regular eating habits, attending work or school, and socialising with others.

Personal hygiene (e.g. not showering frequently); taking care of the home (e.g. household chores); and ignoring bills and other financial issues.

A reduction in income; job loss; lack of contact with colleagues; and limiting future opportunities for employment, promotion etc.

Each impacts the other — high anxiety may increase someone’s risk of developing a physical illness such as a cold, while a physical ailment such as a broken leg may limit someone’s usual activities and lead to them becoming depressed.

Dizziness, weight gain and sleepiness.

Loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and low energy.

Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which reduces the functioning of the body’s defence mechanism, the immune system.

True.

Both the cost of medication and the time taken attending health services for treatment can themselves be sources of stress.

A demand for healthcare, including mental health services (e.g. the NHS); social housing for people whose mental health problems prevent them from working regularly; and benefit payments to cover the costs of housing, food, transport and medication.

Social care can provide a lifeline for people who are unable to fully support themselves.

It can help people learn to care for themselves, including new social and work skills, so that they feel less isolated and more competent.

True.

Human beings are social animals, so it makes sense that those in need or who are vulnerable because of mental health problems should be cared for.

Geel in Belgium, where residents have taken people with mental illness into their own homes as carers for centuries — instead of always expecting the state to provide that care.

Self-medicating is using alcohol or drugs as a way of relieving pain and distress — which can itself become problematic.

The abuse of alcohol or drugs may result in violent and anti-social behaviour when mixed with mental health problems.

Isolated people have no one to check and notice their behaviour.

That patients with mental health problems had an increased risk of violence — as much as four times greater than those without mental health problems.

False.

They found that only 1 in 20 violent crimes were actually linked to mental health problems — despite the common belief that crime is strongly linked to mental illness.

That although individuals with mental health problems may be at greater personal risk of violence, they contribute to only a small proportion of violent crime overall.

They are more likely to be the victims of crime than the perpetrators.

The McCrone report suggests that the direct cost of mental health in England is about £22 billion a year — roughly the same as is spent on education.

False.

The figure includes spending on health and social care, but does not include indirect costs such as the impact on the criminal justice system and lost employment.

Through increased costs — more health professionals means more cost in terms of salaries, alongside higher demands on services like health and social care.

Days absent from work mean lower productivity, increased costs finding temporary cover for the absent worker, and more stress on existing staff — alongside an increased demand on the benefits system from unemployment.

An increase in the cost of policing is linked to increased crime rates.

That more research be directed towards drug treatments for mental health problems, since these are a far less expensive method of treatment than psychological therapies such as CBT and counselling — which in turn has implications for what patients are likely to be prescribed.

Future care for dementia sufferers is a foregone conclusion, which is extremely costly.

Unemployment brings an increased demand on the benefits system and a lower productive workforce.