Models of Psychopathology Unidimensional Models –One Cause of a Disorder Multidimensional Models –Multiple, Linear Causes –Diathesis-Stress Model Reciprocal Models –Reciprocal Gene-Environmental Model

Fig. 2-2, p. 38

Fig. 2-1, p. 33

Biological Factors Neuronal Structure and Function Brain Structure and Function Nervous System Structure –Fight or Flight Reaction

Neurons Structure of Neurons –Soma –Dendrites –Axon –Axon terminals –Synapses Electrochemical Communication –Action Potential –Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmission

How SSRIs Work

Neurons

Function of Neurotransmitters (and Medication) Agonists, Antagonists, Inverse Agonists Serotonin (Many, SSRIs) –Widespread, esp. in cortex Behavior, mood, thought GABA (Benzodiazepines) –Anxiety and stress reduction –Muscle relaxation –Reduced arousal and emotion (increased passivity)

Function of Neurotransmitters (and Medication) (2) Norepinephrine (Autonomic Functions) –aka noradrenaline –Indirect effects Dopamine –Overlap with Serotonin Circuits –Motor behavior Exploratory, Pleasure-Seeking –Schizophrenia (too much) –Parkinson’s Disease (too little)

Divisions of the Brain Hindbrain –Medulla – Heart rate, blood pressure, respiration –Pons – Regulates sleep stages –Cerebellum – Involved in physical coordination Midbrain –Coordinates movement with sensory input –Contains parts of the reticular activating system (RAS) Forebrain (Cerebral Cortex) –Location of most sensory, emotional, and cognitive processing –Two hemispheres joined by the corpus callosum

Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex Frontal –Thinking and reasoning abilities, memory Parietal –Touch recognition Occipital –Integrates visual input Temporal –Recognition of sights and sounds and long-term memory storage

Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex

The Endocrine System Hormones The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenalcortical Axis (HYPAC axis) –Integration of endocrine and nervous system function

Implications (cont.) Causal Connection? –Experience Can Change Brain Structure and Function –Medications and Psychotherapy Can Change Brain Structure and Function –“Filling Fallacy” and “Aspirin Analogy” Cavities caused by lack of metal in tooth Headache caused by lack of aspirin –Beware of the typical assumption

Psychological Factors Behavioral Models –Learned (reinforced/punished) Behavior Cognitive Models –Faulty Thought Processes (e.g., attributions) Social Learning Theory –Observational Learning Psychoanalytic Theory –Unconscious causes

Developmental Factors Age and expectations Erikson’s Theory Adjusting to Transitions

Social Factors Interpersonal Relationships –Social Support Familial Factors –Beyond genetics Siocioeconomic –Impact of poverty –Some issues unrelated to SES

Cultural Factors Norms, Beliefs, Expectations –Influence the form and expression of normal and abnormal behavior Culture-bound Syndromes Amok, Koro, Witiko, Hikikomori, Latah Anorexia Nervosa Gender Effects –Powerful, but unclear effects