Psychopathology Multi-Dimensional Approach

Study Notes

Integrative Approach to Psychopathology

Combines biological, psychological, emotional, and developmental influences in understanding psychopathology.
No single influence operates in isolation; all dimensions are interconnected.

Biological Influences

Genetics and neuroscience are key causal factors in psychological disorders.
Vasovagal syncope leads to a drop in heart rate and blood pressure, often causing fainting.
The sinoaortic baroflex arc helps regulate blood pressure; overreaction can be inherited.

Psychological Influences

Factors include learned helplessness, social learning, and unconscious processes.
Behavioral and biological factors interact to contribute to phobias.

Emotional Influences

Emotions can shape social interactions and psychological health.
Stressful events can overwhelm genetic predispositions to certain behaviors or reactions.

Developmental Influences

Discusses the importance of early life experiences and their long-term effects on behavior.

One-Dimensional vs. Multi-Dimensional Models

One-dimensional models attribute psychopathology to a single cause, while multi-dimensional models acknowledge multiple contributing factors.

Genetic Considerations

The human genome contains approximately 20,000 genes, influencing traits through complex interactions.
Dominant genes can strongly influence traits (e.g., Huntington’s disease), whereas recessive genes require pairing.
Polygenic traits are influenced by multiple genes with small effects.

Neurotransmitter Systems

Key neurotransmitters include norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and glutamate.
Reduced GABA levels are linked to anxiety, and increased dopamine is associated with schizophrenia.
Serotonin levels are correlated with mood disorders, impacting emotional regulation and learning.

Brain Structure and Function

The brain consists of the brainstem (regulates basic functions) and the forebrain (involved in more complex processes).
Major brain regions affect muscle activity and neurotransmitter modulation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can alter thinking patterns, affecting emotional responses.

Psychosocial Interactions

Psychosocial factors influence neurotransmitter levels and overall brain function.
Early stressful experiences can lead to serotonin deficits, impacting mood and behavior.

Emotional Phenomena

Fear is a universal emotion, linked to survival instincts (fight or flight response).
It motivates behavior and triggers physiological responses to threats.
Emotional processing is vital in understanding psychopathology.

Cognitive Processes

Unconscious cognitive patterns can shape emotional responses even if individuals are not aware of them.
The intensity and duration of neural representations in the brain influence emotional awareness and response.

Behavioral Responses and Learning

Conditioning and early life experiences shape behavior and affect emotional patterns.
The effects of bullying on brain development highlight environmental impacts on psychological health.

Description

This quiz explores the multi-dimensional and integrative aspects of psychopathology, focusing on biological influences and their impacts on behavior. It includes case studies to illustrate how genetic and neurological factors play roles in mental health responses and reactions.