An Integrative Approach to Psychopathology

1. An Integrative Approach to Psychopathology Chapter 2 Abnormal Psychology

2. Multidimensional Integrative Approach • Psychopathology: • Biological roots • Psychological roots • Socio-cultural roots • As opposed to one dimensional perspectives

3. 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 Influences

4. 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

5. Genetic Contributions to Psychopathology • Environmental contexts and experiences determine whether or not genes are expressed or “turned on”

6. 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)

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. The Neuron Fig. 3.8

14. Understanding Neurons • 140 billion neurons in the brain • Transmit information; chemical and electrical events • Neurotransmitters: chemicals affecting the brain and body; implicated in psychopathology

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Neurotransmitters • Placebo effect: • The brain circuits/neurotransmitter activity change based on our expectations

20. 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

21. Dendritic Spreading Fig. 3.11

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. Emotions • Emotions contribute to the development of psychopathology • Alarm reactions: fight or flight responses • Our emotional appraisals of a situation shape our reactions (behaviors)

26. Emotions • Research on suppression: activates the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for fight or flight responses) • Suppression is linked with psychopathology

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. The Role of Social Stigma • The stigma of labels can affect individuals affected by mental health problems • Beliefs about moral weakness and unpredictability/aggression

31. 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

32. Conclusions • New research findings are changing our understanding of psychopathology • A multidimensional perspective is needed to understand the development of psychological disorder