Explaining Sleep disorders AO1 Insomnia, Narcolepsy Other disorders

Have you ever had a sleep disorder?

Objectives To find about at least 3 sleep disorders To be able to write at least 8 marks worth of AO1 for the following: – Insomnia – Narcolepsy – Other disorders

New Information Gathering Group 1 Insomnia Group 2 Narcolepsy Group 3 Other disorders Group 4 Insomnia Group 5 Narcolepsy Group 6 Other disorders You now have 20 minutes to gather as much information about these disorders as possible. You should not spend too much time on describing them/their symptoms Your key question is: “HOW DO PSYCHOLOGISTS EXPLAIN THESE DISORDERS?”

Information sharing Groups 1,2 and 3 will now work together Groups 4,5 and 6 will now work together Take it in turns to teach the others what you have learned. You have five minutes each (15 in total) Make sure you take good notes!!!!

To finish “Outline one explanation for narcolepsy.” (4 marks) Remember this is all AO1 Taken from January 2012 paper

What does the mark scheme say? The most common explanation for narcolepsy involves the hypothalamic neurotransmitter hypocretin (also known as orexin). Narcolepsy is associated with low levels of orexin itself and, possibly, low levels of the orexin receptor. There is also evidence for a genetic basis for the disorder, probably involving the orexin system. Either the orexin hypothesis or a general genetic approach would be acceptable. Examiners should also be alert to alternative explanations, such as a disruption to REM sleep control or psychodynamic approaches. If an answer is entirely focused on cataplexy with no reference to narcolepsy a maximum of 3 AO1 marks can be awarded. Studies may earn AO1 marks if illustrating an explanation AO1 mark bands: 4 marks Outline is reasonably accurate and coherent marks Outline is limited, generally accurate and reasonably coherent 1 mark Outline is weak and muddled 0 marks No creditworthy material