The effect of social context on mental health

Question 2

This question carries 25% of the marks for this assignment and assesses module learning outcomes KU2, KU4, CS2 and KS1.

In Book 3, you were provided with the DSM-IV-TR criteria for substance dependence. It was noted that these criteria were for addictions that arise as a consequence of intake of a substance, normally a drug, rather than behavioural addictions.

In May 2013, the new edition of the DSM was introduced, the DSM-5. In this edition there have been a number of changes to the section entitled ‘Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders’. One of the most notable changes is described in the quote below:

‘An important departure from past diagnostic manuals is that the substance-related disorders chapter has been expanded to include gambling disorder. This change reflects the increasing and consistent evidence that some behaviours, such as gambling, activate the brain reward system with effects similar to those of drugs of abuse and that gambling disorder symptoms resemble substance use disorders to a certain extent.’

Source: American Psychiatric Association (2013) ‘Highlights of Changes from DSM-IV-TR to DSM-5’ [Online]. Available at: http://www.dsm5.org/Documents/changes%20from%20dsm-iv-tr%20to%20dsm-5.pdf(Accessed 5 August 2015).

1. The above quote states that there is increasing evidence for behaviours, such as gambling, to activate the brain reward system. Using the material in Book 3, describe what is meant by the brain reward system and how gambling may affect it. (Word limit: 250 words)

(9 marks)

1. The extract also says that some symptoms or features of gambling disorder resemble those of substance use disorders. Using the examples of Patrick and Robin in the video associated with Activity 1.1 in Book 3 (‘A1’ on the multimedia map) identify four similarities between the experiences of these two individuals. (Word limit: 300 words)

(12 marks)

1. Using the information in Book 3, briefly comment on whether you think the treatment approaches for gambling addiction support its inclusion in the same section of DSM-5 as substance addictions, and explain your reasoning. (Word limit: 150 words)

(4 marks)

Question 3

This question carries 40% of the marks for this assignment and assesses module learning outcomes KU3, CS1 and KS2.

Drawing on information from the text in Books 1–3 write an essay entitled ‘The effect of social context on mental health’.

In this essay you should provide the following:

• Evidence of social context impacting on mental health, both in a beneficial and detrimental manner.
• Possible suggestions for how the impact of social context may interact with biological and psychological factors.

You must draw on information from ‘Core concepts in mental health’, ‘Mood and Wellbeing’ and ‘Addictions’.

Of the marks available, up to 4 marks can be gained for the content of your introduction and conclusion and your tutor will award up to 8 marks for essay structure (i.e. a clear introduction, conclusion and appropriate paragraph structure), clarity and appropriate referencing. If you are unsure how to structure your essay or reference sources, please see the relevant resources on the Skills for OU Study web page and the Library Service’s guidance on the OU Harvard referencing style. You may also like to look at the SDK228 Referencing Guide which provides examples of referencing according to OU Harvard Style and the SDK228 Guide to Effective Assignment Writing. Both of these documents can be found under the Assessment link on the module website. (Word limit: 1000 words)

(40 marks)