PSYC 3140 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Operant Conditioning, Cortisol, Antidepressant
30 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
Model: a set of assumptions and concepts that help scientists explain an interpret observations. Biological theorists view abnormal behaviour as an illness brought about by malfunctioning parts of the body, mainly the brain. Sometimes, abnormalities are linked to the body"s endocrine system (ex: abnormal secretions of cortisol has been linked to mood disorders) Medications: psychotropic medications: discovered in the 1950"s, and are drugs that affect the mood and though processes of patients. Antidepressant medications: improve the mood of people with depression. Antibipolar medications: help stabilize the moods of people. Antipsychotic medications: help correct confusion, hallucinations, and delusions found in psychotic disorders. Electroconvulsive therapy (ect): electricity is passed through the brain that causes a minor brain seizure. Patients report feeling less depressed over a number of sessions. Psychosurgery or neurosurgery: brain surgery for mental disorders. Belief that a persons behaviour (normal or not) is determined by underlying psychological forces that he or she cannot consciously be aware of.
