Biological approach to psychopathology

Key features

• Assumes that mental illness is caused by abnormal biological processes. e.g. genetics and biochemistry. Sees abnormality as an illness. 
• Suggests there are four physical causes of mental disorders:

  -Brain damage
  If structure of brain is damaged could cause abnormal behavior and mental illness. Treatment won't help.
  Example: alcohol abuse can cause brain damage which can result in memory damage. 

  -Infection
  Infection can cause mental illness. Research has found that 14% of schizophrenic's illness may be due to a flu virus.

  -Biochemistry
  If neurotransmitters or hormones are out of balance, it can cause mental illness. E.g…