1. An Integrative Approach to Psychopathology
Chapter 2

2. Multidimensional Models
Biological Influences
Behavioral Influences
Emotional Influences
Social Influences
Developmental Influences

4. Genetic Contributions
Phenotype (observable) vs. Genotype (genetic makeup)
Nature of Genes
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) – The double helix
23 pairs of chromosomes
Dominant vs. recessive genes
Development and behavior is often polygenetic
Genetic Contribution to Psychopathology
Less than 50%
Epigenetics- the environment influences gene development

5. Interaction of Genes and Environment
The Diathesis-Stress Model
Examples: Blood-injury-injection phobia, alcoholism
Reciprocal Gene-Environment Model
Examples: Depression, impulsivity
Non-Genomic Inheritance of Behavior
Genes are not the whole story

6. Neuroscience contributions
The Central Nervous System (CNS)
Brain and spinal cord
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Somatic and autonomic branches

8. CNS
The Neuron
Soma – Cell body
Dendrites – Branches that receive messages from other neurons
Axon – Trunk of neuron that sends messages to other neurons
Axon terminals – Buds at end of axon from which chemical messages are sent
Synaptic cleft – Small gaps that separate neurons
Neurons Function Electrically, but Communicate Chemically
Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers

10. Neurotransmitters Norepinephrine (or noradrenaline) Serotonin Dopamine
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
Focus of many medications – “chemical imbalance” hypothesis

11. Peripheral Nervous and Endocrine
Somatic Branch of PNS: Controls voluntary muscles and movement
Autonomic Branch of the PNS
Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches
Regulates cardiovascular system & body temperature
Also regulates the endocrine system and aids in digestion
The Endocrine System: Hormones
The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenalcortical Axis (HYPAC axis)
Integration of endocrine and nervous system function

12. Function of Neurotransmitters
Functions of Neurotransmitters
Agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists
Most drugs are either agnostic or antagonistic
Main Types of Neurotransmitters
Serotonin (5HT)
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Norepinephrine
Dopamine

13. Implications Relations Between Brain and Abnormal Behavior
Example: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Experience Can Change Brain Structure and Function
Therapy Can Change Brain Structure and Function
Medications and psychotherapy

14. D-cycloserine Antibiotic used in OCD treatment No side-effects
Speed up therapeutic response- get more from ERP sessions
Doesn’t help OCD just taking it
Reduce early frustration and drop out
Works on neurotransmitters in the amygdala associated with learning and memory: facilitate learning/fear extinction

15. Role of Emotions Behavior-Cognitions-Affect Emotions influenced by:
Thoughts
Behaviors
Physiology

16. Cultural, Social, Interpersonal Factors
Cultural Factors
Influence the form and expression of normal and abnormal behavior
Gender Effects
Exerts a strong and puzzling effect on psychopathology
Social Relationships
Frequency and quality related to mortality, disease, and psychopathology
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Stigma of Psychopathology is Culturally, Socially, and Interpersonally Situated

17. Lifespan Life-Span Developmental Perspective
Addresses developmental changes
Such changes influence and constrain what is normal and abnormal
The Principle of Equifinality
Concept in developmental psychopathology
Several paths to a given outcome
Paths may operate differentially at different developmental stages

18. Multidimensional perspective
Multiple Causation
Is the rule, not the exception in explaining normal and abnormal behavior
Take a Broad, Comprehensive, Systemic Perspective
Addressing biological, psychological, social, cultural, and developmental factors
Useful in Understanding the Causes of Psychopathology and its Alleviation