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 situations Biological: inherited traits/genetic contributions Emotional: influences how we think about and respond to situations Social: familial/peer influences, cultural context Developmental: “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 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