Genetics Paradigm Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is meant by 'gene-environment interaction'?

The interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental factors in influencing behavior.

What is the current paradigm related to genetics?

Genetic

What is the focus of molecular genetics?

Molecular genetics studies the structure and function of genes at a molecular level.

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses in the nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'behavior genetics' refer to?

The study of the role of genetic and environmental influences on behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the HPA axis?

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a complex network involved in stress response. Signup and view all the answers

What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)?

A type of psychotherapy that helps individuals understand and change their thought patterns and behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What do interpersonal factors refer to in the context of psychopathology?

Social relationships and interactions that can influence mental health. Signup and view all the answers

What does the diathesis-stress model explain?

It explains how pre-existing vulnerabilities (diathesis) and stressors interact to influence psychopathology. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four D's of psychological disorders?

Deviance Signup and view all the answers

Hippocrates believed psychological disorders could be treated like any other disease.

True Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the anticipated course of a disorder?

Prognosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms refers to the existence of another disorder?

Comorbidity Signup and view all the answers

The study of the origins of psychological disorders is known as ______.

Etiology Signup and view all the answers

What method distinguishes a particular disease or condition from others?

Differential Diagnosis Signup and view all the answers

Emotional contagion refers to the phenomenon where emotions spread within a group.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the pattern of symptoms over time?

Course Signup and view all the answers

What term is used for how many new cases occurred in a given time period?

Incidence Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Prevalence = How many in a population have/had the disorders Dysfunction = Failure to function effectively in daily life Acute = Sudden onset of symptoms Ego-Syntonic = Behaviors consistent with personal values Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Notion of a Paradigm

Paradigms shape how phenomena are viewed and understood in scientific disciplines.

Current Paradigms: Genetic

Genetic paradigm highlights the role of heredity in behavior and mental processes.

Important Genetic Terms

Terms related to genetics are essential for understanding behavior and development.

Environmental Effects

Environmental factors influence genetic expression and behavior, demonstrating the interaction between genes and surroundings.

Behavior Genetics

Examines the influence of genetic factors on behavior.
Investigates heritability of traits and disorders.
Key studies often focus on twins and families to assess genetic predispositions.

Molecular Genetics

Studies the molecular mechanisms of genes and their functions.
Involves identifying genes linked to specific behaviors or psychological disorders.
Techniques include DNA sequencing and gene mapping.

Gene-Environment Interaction

Refers to how environmental factors can affect genetic expression, leading to a variety of outcomes in behavior and mental health.

Reciprocal Gene-Environment Interaction

Highlights the bidirectional influence where genetic predispositions can alter responses to environmental factors and vice versa.

Current Paradigms: Neuroscience

Neuroscience investigates the nervous system's role in behavior and mental processes.
Focus on brain structures, neurotransmitters, and their functions.

The Neuron: Basic Unit of the Nervous System

Neurons are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals facilitating communication between neurons.
Imbalances can influence psychological conditions, emphasizing their role in psychopathology.

Reabsorption of Neurotransmitters

Leftover neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron, regulating neurotransmitter levels in synaptic clefts.

Neurotransmitters and Psychopathology

Certain neurotransmitters are linked to various mental health disorders, guiding treatment strategies.

Brain Structure and Function

Different brain regions specialize in varying functions, influencing behavior and cognition.

HPA Axis of the Neuroendocrine System

A central part of the stress response system, linking the nervous and endocrine systems.

Neuroscience Approaches to Treatment

Includes pharmacological interventions targeting neurotransmitter systems to address mental health issues.

Evaluating the Neuroscience Paradigm

Assesses strengths and limitations of neuroscience in explaining complex psychological phenomena.

Current Paradigms: Cognitive Behavioral

Cognitive-behavioral paradigm focuses on the interplay between thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
Significant for treating anxiety disorders through structured interventions.

Cognitive Science

Explores mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving, impacting therapeutic approaches.

Role of the Unconscious

Examines how unconscious thoughts and feelings influence behavior and perceptions.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

A structured, short-term therapy that aims to change negative thinking patterns and behaviors.

Beck's Cognitive Therapy

Developed by Aaron Beck, focuses on cognitive distortions and restructuring thoughts to improve mental health.

Evaluating the CBT Paradigm

Analyzes the effectiveness of CBT in various disorders and its integration with other therapeutic approaches.

Current Paradigms: Factors That Cut Across the Paradigms

Investigates overlapping themes across different paradigms to better understand psychological challenges.

Interpersonal Factors and Psychopathology

Emphasizes how social relationships and interactions contribute to psychological conditions.

Current Paradigms: Diathesis-Stress

Proposes that predisposition (diathesis) combined with stressors can lead to the development of psychological disorders.

Psychological Disorders Overview

Psychological dysfunction is characterized by disturbances in thought, feelings, and behavior.
Distress or impairment refers to the psychological distress experienced by the individual, affecting daily functioning.
Atypical behavior deviates from cultural expectations, often classifying it as a disorder.

Four D's of Psychological Disorders

Dysfunction: Impaired or abnormal functioning in areas such as self-care, social interactions, or work.
Distress: Emotional suffering that may affect an individual's quality of life.
Deviance: Behavior that contrasts significantly with societal norms.
Dangerousness: Risk of harm to oneself or others, prompting concern for safety.

Key Terms in DSM-5

Diagnostic Criteria: Defined sets of signs, symptoms, and tests to determine mental disorders.
Prevalence: Measures how widespread disorders are within a population.
Incidence: Indicates the number of new cases of a disorder during a specific timeframe.
Course: The symptom pattern, can be chronic, episodic, or time-limited.
Onset: Describes whether the disorder emerges acutely or insidiously over time.
Prognosis: Predictions about recovery, duration, and outcomes of the disorder.
Etiology: The study of the origins or causes of psychological disorders.
Ego-Syntonic/Dystonic: Consistency or inconsistency between one's behaviors and personal values.
Comorbidity: The occurrence of more than one disorder in the same individual.
Differential Diagnosis: A process to differentiate between disorders that exhibit similar symptoms.

Historical Perspectives on Psychological Disorders

The Supernatural Tradition

Deviant behaviors were often attributed to supernatural influences, such as the struggle between good and evil.
In the Great Persian Empire, psychological disorders were linked with possession and misfortune, requiring treatments like exorcism.
Such beliefs persisted into the 15th century, where bizarre behaviors were seen as acts of sorcery.

Stress and Melancholy

In the 15th century, insanity was viewed as a normal reaction to stress, resulting in symptoms like despair.
The church connected these symptoms to the sin of acedia, promoting treatments such as rest and gentle remedies.

Nicholas Oresme

A 14th-century philosopher who recognized melancholy (depression) as a potential cause of bizarre behaviors.
He criticized the validity of confessions obtained through torture during witch trials.

Mass Hysteria

Phenomenon of large-scale outbreaks of strange behavior, examples include Saint Vitus's Dance and tarantism.
Highlights the concepts of emotion contagion and mob psychology.

The Moon and the Stars

Paracelsus, a Swiss physician, proposed that celestial movements, particularly those of the moon, could influence mental health.
This notion gave rise to the term "lunatic," derived from the Latin word for moon.

The Biological Tradition

Hippocrates and Galen

Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.), recognized as the father of modern medicine, posited that psychological disorders were akin to physical diseases.
Emphasized the role of brain pathology, heredity, and environmental factors in mental health.
Hippocrates introduced the concept of hysteria, reflecting early understandings of mental conditions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the current paradigms in genetics, including important genetic terms and environmental effects. This quiz will challenge your understanding of how genetics shapes behavior and development.