Download An Integrative Approach to Psychopathology

An Integrative Approach to
Psychopathology
Chapter 2
Abnormal Psychology
Multidimensional Integrative
Approach

Psychopathology:

Biological roots

Psychological roots

Socio-cultural roots

As opposed to one dimensional perspectives
Influences

Behavioral: emotions
become associated with

Social: familial/peer

Developmental:
situations

Biological: inherited

Emotional: influences
traits/genetic
contributions
how we think about and
respond to situations
influences, cultural
context
“critical periods”- we
may be particularly
susceptible due to
developmental timing
Genetic Contributions to
Psychopathology

Traits are influenced by our genetic
endowment

Polygenetic inheritance: psychological
characteristics are influenced by many
genes, which interact with the
environment; each gene has a very
small effect
Genetic Contributions to
Psychopathology

Environmental contexts and experiences
determine whether or not genes are
expressed or “turned on”
Study of Genes and Behavior

Twin studies:


Comparing heritability estimates between
identical and fraternal twins
Schizophrenia: if one identical twin has the
disorder, the other twin has approximately
a 50% chance of developing it (similar or
lower in other disorders)
Brain Plasticity

Research: the structure and functioning
of the brain is continually shaped by
experience


Early childhood: deprivation
Adulthood: exposure to stress/trauma;
effects of therapy/learning, etc.
Diathesis-Stress Model

We inherit tendencies toward particular
behavioral traits which may become
activated during times of stress

Particular life events may trigger the
symptoms of a disorder
Diathesis-Stress Model

Example:

Individual with a genetic vulnerability, a
history of childhood abuse, and current
stress in adulthood

These factors interact to influence the
development of symptoms
Genes and Environments
Influence Each Other

Our genetic vulnerability may increase the
chance that we will experience stress


Example: we may have a personality
trait/temperament that draws us toward stressful
environments and relationships, which lead to
depression
Niche-picking: genes may lead us to “select”
certain environments
Recent Research:
Genetic Contributions

Genetic contributions to disorders may
be overstated in the research


Some undermine the importance of
environments in the expression of genes
The critical role of early environments and
experiences
Summarizing Genetic
Contributions


Genes must always be understood in
combination with environments (nature
+ nurture)
Maladaptive environments may impact
us more or less depending on our
genetic inheritance
The Neuron
Fig. 3.8
Understanding Neurons



140 billion neurons in the brain
Transmit information; chemical and
electrical events
Neurotransmitters: chemicals
affecting the brain and body; implicated
in psychopathology
Neurotransmitters

An increasingly complex picture


Not just “too much or too little”- neurotransmitters
affect information processing
Psychotropic medications may block or inhibit
the production of neurotransmitters, or may
increase production
Overview: Neurotransmitters


GABA (inhibitory): affects information
transmission- GABA tends to reduce
anxiety- anti-anxiety meds allow more
GABA to attach to receptors
Serotonin: information processing and
mood regulation- different effects
depending on the area of the brain
Overview: Neurotransmitters


Dopamine: has a general effect, allowing
other neurotransmitters to function;
associated with pleasure seeking; revision to
the “dopamine hypothesis”
Norepinephrine: does not appear to directly
link to psychopathology, but works with other
neurotransmitters; associated with fear
responses, blood pressure, and heart rate
Neurotransmitters

New hypotheses and findings:


Genetic contributions may affect patterns of
neurotransmitter activity, which may influence
personality characteristics and behaviors
Environments and experiences can shape and
change neurotransmitter activity over time- brain
scans with patients receiving therapy
Neurotransmitters

Placebo effect:

The brain circuits/neurotransmitter activity
change based on our expectations
Brain Changes- Learning and
Experience


Learning/experience influences the structure
of the neurons and the number of receptors
Studies:


Active vs. inactive rats- active rats have more
neural connections and more active brains
Deprivation/enrichment: brain scans of children
Dendritic Spreading
Fig. 3.11
Lessons from Behavioral and
Cognitive Science


The manner in which we process
information shapes the learning and
maintenance of certain behaviors
Events become “paired” and associated
with each other
Lessons from Behavioral and
Cognitive Science

Learned Helplessness: Seligman

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When we give up and stop trying to cope
In response to stress that we perceive as
beyond our control
Based on our attributions
New Research:
Learned Optimism

Seligman- we function better
psychologically and physically when we
have hope, positive beliefs about
ourselves, and positive attitudes

The mind-body connection
Emotions



Emotions contribute to the development
of psychopathology
Alarm reactions: fight or flight
responses
Our emotional appraisals of a situation
shape our reactions (behaviors)
Emotions

Research on suppression: activates the
sympathetic nervous system
(responsible for fight or flight
responses)

Suppression is linked with psychopathology
The Role of Culture

Culture shapes what we learn to fear,
expect, believe, etc.


Example: case studies of Voodoo death
Cultures have difference constructions of
psychopathology
The Role of Culture

Culture shapes our constructions of
gender

Perspectives on gender shape what we find
socially acceptable

Example: men and experiences of fear and
emotion; women and body image
Social Relationships and
Mental Health

Research: the experience of social
support affects life expectancy


Physical and mental health is influenced by
the quality and extent of our social
relationships
Research: having a pet has been shown to
lower heart rate and blood pressure
The Role of Social Stigma

The stigma of labels can affect
individuals affected by mental health
problems

Beliefs about moral weakness and
unpredictability/aggression
Developmental Considerations


Developmental stages and prior
experience shapes the experience of
psychopathology
Equifinality: the notion that there are
multiple pathways and interacting
factors that influence the development
of psychopathology
Conclusions


New research findings are changing our
understanding of psychopathology
A multidimensional perspective is
needed to understand the development
of psychological disorder