Biopsychosocial Approach Flashcards
name 5 influences in the multidimensional model of abnormal psychology
bio behavioural emotional social developmental no influence operates in isolation
genetic contributions to psychopathology
phenotype vs genotype
behaviour is not typically polygenetic
genes aren’t everything
define the multidimensional integrative approach
approach to study of psychopathology that holds psycholgical disorders are always the products of multiple interacting causal factors
vasovagal syncope
common cause of fainting mild distress heart rate increases bp increases body tries to compensate = decreased vascular resistance = lowered heart rate and bp =faint
sinoaortic baroreflux arc
compensated for sudden increases in blood pressure by lowering it
define genes
long DNA molecule, the basic physiological unit of heredity that appears as a location on a chromosome
nature of genes
46 chromosomes
46 pairs - one from mother, one from father
23rd = sex
DNA = double helix
define polygenetic
influenced by many genes and environment
define human genome
an individuals complete set of genes (20,000)
how is the human genome studied
molecular genetics and quantitative genetics
looks up patterns of influences across many genes (withou necessarily telling us which genes are responsible for what effects)
define molecular genetics
examining actual structures of genes broad networks of genes that contribute to a particular trait
eg DNAA microarrays
define quantitative genetics
sums up all the tiny effects acorss many genes (without necessarily telling us which genes are responsible for what)
how do genes exert their influence
by producing proteins
when on = specialized cells
name a factor which can determine what genes are turned on and give an example
environmental factors
rats, absence of licking and groomin (Maternal behaviour) = prevents the genetic expression of glucocorticoid receptor that modulates stress hormones = greater sensitivity to stress
environment can turn on gene vulnerability
what proportion of our personality traits and cognitive abilities do we think are due to genetic influences
50%
swedish twin study found genetics accounted for specific cogntive abilities from
32-62%
genetic factors determine stability in cognitive abilites, environmental factors were responsible for any changes
genetic component of psych disorders
probably less than 50%
many genes each with a small effect
linkage studies = same disorder who share similar features (like hair colour and age) so can link known genes with unknown and give locations of possible defects
brain plasticity shows
environment can turn on genes
diathesis stress model
both an inherited tendency (vulnerability) and specific stressfull conditions are required to produce a disorder
diathesis = each inherited tendency
the greater the vulnerabilty…
the smaller the stress required to produce the disorder
serotonin and depression
serotonin = neurotransmitter
2 allelles that produce the chemimcal
LL long cope better with stress thn SS short
SS risk of having major depressive episode doubled if at least 4 stressors compared to 4 stressors for LL
severe maltreatment during childhood, 63% SS depressed compared to 33% SS who werent
but for LL this did not affect the incidence of depression
so unlike SS, LL depressed if stress in recent not childhood
shows neither genes nor life experience soley explain the onsent of a disorder like depression
the gene- enironment correlation model
one’s genetic male-up may increase the probability that an individual will experience certain events (like stressful relationship) that trigger genetic vulnerabilities to disorders
spouses who are twins study
both spouses have an identical twin
and both identical twins have been divorced
greatly increased risk of divorce
also parents on both sides divorced greatly increases again
converseley no divorce = tiny chance you will divorce
recent studies have…..genetic influence on personlity
give study to back this up
over emphasised the extent of`
3 diff types of mice raised in virtually identical environments but at 3 diff sites
although a certain type of mice might perform similarly on a test at all 3 sites, on other tasks the mice might perform differently = gentic influences are often a lot less poewrful than is commonly blieved
the environment, even if working subtly can still mold and hold its own in biological interactions that shape who we are
rats bron to easily stressed mums reared by other calm mothers…
grew up more calm and supportive
this could then be passed down to the next generation
children whose parents had schizophrenia but adopted…
had a tendency to develop psychiatric tendencies if adopted into dysfuncitonal families
young mokies with specific gene pattern =n high reactive temperment, maternal deprivation =
much bigger effect on behavioural and emotional reactions than maternal deprivation in monkeys without this gene make up
define epigenetics
the study of factors other than inherited DNA sequence such as new learning or stress that alters the phenotype expression of genes
genes are turned on and off by the cellular material that is located just outside the genome
genome itself doesnt actually change, so when stress fades, epigenome will fade
epigenetic example
simese twins same environment and genetics noe = moody and depressive drinker other cheerful quiet and thoughtful nature and nurture effects us not one alone
somatic system
controls voluntary muscles and conveys sensory info to the CNS
autonomic nervous system
ocntrols involuntary muscles
sympathetic = expends energy
parasympathetic = conserves energy
CNS contains
brain - processes all info from organs
spinal cord - facilitates sending messages
PNS contains
ANS - cardio and endocrinal
somantic
reduced GABA…
excessive anxiety
probs an oversimplification
dopamine is linked with
schizophrenia
probs an oversimplification
increased norepinephrine linked with
depression (and serotonin decrease)
probs an oversimplification
brain stem….
lower bit in most animals essential for autonomic function hindbrain midbrain
forebrain
more advanced and evolved more recently
what does midbrain do
sensory input
coordinate movement
reticualr activating system (arousal and tension)
top of brain stem=
thalamus and hypothalamus
limbic system contains
hippocampus cingulate gyrus septum amygdala these systems hekp regulate emotional expression, ability to learn, impulses, drives
base of forebrain =
basal gangli
caudate nucleus
=motor activity
cerbral cortex
80% of neurons 2 hemispheres left - verbal and cognition right - perception 4 lobes temporal - recognition, LT memory parietla - touch and body position occiptal - visual frontal - higher cognitive functions
PNS
coordinates with the brain to ensure body is funcitoning
somatic and autonomic
endocrine = number of glands each which produce hormones releasing directly into the blood stream
define hormone
a chemical messenger produced by the endochrine glands
adrenaline produced in response to
STRESS
thyroid produceses
thyroxine
facilitates energy metabolism and growth
pituitary =
master gland
regulates hormone production
endocrine closely related to…
immune system
roles in deoression, anxiety and schizophrenia
define psychoneuroendochronology
interdisciplinary research
eg antidepressants work better when administeres with a thyroid hormone
what does the sympathetic nervous system do in danger
mobilise the body
heart rate up etc
adrenal glands stimulated
role of parasymapthetic
balance out the sympathetic so not constantly turned on
what does the pituitary gland do
connects to the pituitary gland and stimulate the adrenal gland on kidneys
=HPA axis
implicated in many disorders
brain circuits=
neurons that are sensitive to one type of neurotransmitter cluster together and form paths from one part of the brain to another
serotonin strange =
dopamine strange =
depression
schizophrenia
agonist
a chemical substance that effectively INCREASES the activity of a neurotransmitter by imitating its effects
antagonist
chemical substance that DECREASES or blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter
inverse agonist
produces the effects oppostie to those of a particualr neurotransmitter
reuptake action
action by which a neurotransmitter is quickly drawn into the discharging neuron after being released into the synaptic cleft
glutamate
amino acid neurotransmitter that excites many different neurons leadign to action
balanced out by GABA
GABA
neurotransmitter that reduces activity at the synaptic cleft and thus inhibits a wide range of behviours and emotions, especially generalized anxiety
name 6 ways drugs could work
agonist antagonist inhibit production of a neurtransmitter increased production of a compeating bio substance that may deactivate neurotransmitter occupy receptors block the reuptake process
classic neurotransitters explained
amino acids (glutamate, GABA) monoamines (norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine)
benzodiazapines
make it easier for GABA moelcules to attach themselves to receptors of specialised neurons = calmer
addictive substance
GABA system…
rides on many circuits
seems to reduce overall arousal
serotonin (5HT)
processing info and coordinating movement as well as inhibition adn restraint
assists in regulation of eating, sexual and agressive behaviours all of which may be involved in diff psych disorders
interaction with dopamine implicated in schizophrenia
low = less inhibition, instability, impulsivity, tendency to overreact, aggression, suicide, impulse overeating, sex drive up
high= interact with GABA to counteract g;utamate
SSRIs
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
prozac
st johns wart
how serotonin drugs work
prozac prevents serotonin being absorbed
redux and fenfluramine = extra release of serotonin but dangerous heart side effects
norepinephrine
neurotransmitter active in the central and peripheral nervous systems
controls heart rate, bp and respiration among other functions
role in body alarm reaction may also contribute generally and indirectly to panic attacks and other disorders
monoamine
stimulates alpha-adrenergic and beta-adrenergic receptors
major circuit in hindbrain controlling bodily functions
acts more generally to regulate certain behaviours
dopamine
neurotransmitter whose generalied function is to activate other neurotransmitters and aid in exploratory and pleasure seeking behaviours
excess linked to schizophrenia
deficit in parkinsons
resperine may block dopamine receptors so dopamine activity down
switch that turns on certain brain areas
at least 5 diff receptor sites are selective to dopamine
L-dopa = dopamine agonist, successful in reducing motor deficits in parkinsons
insel man with brain tumour surgery
full recovery
unable to keep job or be on time as OCD developed
small area of orbitofrontal cortex had been removed
but does not necessarily mean OCD = bio causes
effects of treatment teaches us….
might tell us something but also might not
eg aspirin will fix something but does not mean was due to deficit is aspirin!
psychosurgery
rarely used but yes if all else fails
how can we treat OCD
increased serotonin
CBT to change brain circuits
re-wiring the brain takes as little as 2 hours intense exposure-based therapy for specific phobias, can still persist after 6 months
depressives treated in 3 groups
CBT drugs, psych
results?
brain change in all 3
CBT facilitated brain changes in thinking patterns which in turn altered the emotional brain = top down change
rhesus macaques
equally treated
but one group chose then to access toys
other group only got to access toys when the other group chose to
later in life given benzopdiazepone (opposite effect of GABA) = extreme outburst in anxiety
Gp1 = not anxious. angry and agressive instead
Gp2 = anxiety and panic
2 crayfish fighting for social dominance study
when one won (so now dominant crayfish) serotonin made a specific set of neurons more likely to fire
big mouse bully little mouse
changes in mesolimbic (reward and addiction) dopamine system of the smaller mouse (so smaller mouse wanted nothing to do with other mice)
active vs couch potato rats brain stuff
more connections in nerve cells in the cerebellum and grew more dendrites
define cognitive science
field of study that examines how humans and other animals aquire, process, store and receive info
learned helplessness
theory of depression
seligman theory
people become anxious and depressed when they make an attirbution that they have no controll over the stress in their lives (whether they actually have contorl or not)
-seen in animals
learned optimism
if people faced with considerable stress and difficulty but maintain an optimitic, upbeat attitude = liekly to function better psychologically and physically
positive views about ageing led to
living 7.5 years longer than those without such attitudes
positive psychology
explore factors that account for positive attitudes and happiness
albert bandura
-importance of social context on learning
what else did he think about learning in organisms
organisms do not have to experience certain events in their environment to learn effectively
rather can learn by watching others
modelling/ observational learning
learning through observation and imitaion of the behaviour of other individuals and consequences of that behaviour
prepared learning
ability adaptive for evolution, allowing certain associations to be learned more readily than others
so fear spiders over flowers even if never met either before
but what about new stuff like guns…
what might account for greater incidence of phobias in women
females are more sensitive to learning by Bandura
implicit memory
condition of memory in which a person cannot recall past events despite acting in response to them
stroop test is used
to study the unconscious
fight or lfight response
bio reaction to alarming stressors that musters the bodys resources to resist or flee the threat
emotional phenomena / action tendency
pattern of activity elicited by an external event and a feeling state accompanied by a characterised physiological response
emotion of fear =
subjective feeling of terror
strong motivation for behaviour
complex physiological response
purpose of feeling a state
to carry out a behaviour
a means to get us to do what we have to do to pass our genes to the next generation
mood vs emotion
mood - enduring period of emotionality
emotions are short lived
affect
conscious, subjective aspect of emotion that accompanies anaction at any given time
emotion =
behaviour +physiology +cognition
contagious, potentially evolutionary
cannon view of emotion and brain
areas associated with emotional expression are generally more ancient and primitve than areas associated with higher cognitive functions like reason
emotional activation can occur…
without influence of higher cognitive functions as direct neurobiological connections in the brain
hostility and anger increase your risk of…
study
heart disease
study: people with heart disease asked to recall angry memory
compared their response to a stressful event (also heart rate increasing)
found hearts ability to pump blood during angry outburst = significantly worse than stress or exercise
supressing any kind of emotional response involves
increased sympathetic nervous system activity
panic can be
normative to fear
but problematic at the wrong time
mania
periods of excitement alternated with periods of extreme sadness/ depression
what can influence fear and anxiety
culture, time
examples of cultural influence on abnormal psych
firght disorder
vodood, evil eye etc
anxiety bound symptoms and somatic response like sweating + increased heart rate
cause = person thinks they have been subject to witchcraft
can be fatal
gender influence on abnormal psych
likelihood of having a particualr phobia is influenced by gender
gender roles - what is acceptable for a gender
gender respond differently to therapy eg exposure therapy - women maintained their gains significantly better during follow up than men
bulimia = women / gay men most common
female response to stress = tend and befriend
gender does not cause psychopathology but as a social and cultural factor certainly impacts it
number and frequency of social interactions / relationships =
likely to live longer
social relationships are protective
schizophrenia more likely in men from…
city
WHO stats on global incidence on psychopathology
13% global burden of disease = mental disorders
10-20% of all primary medical services in poor ountries are sought by those with psych disorders
only 1 in 3 in america with a psych disorder have received treatment
erikson view on lifespan
we go through 8 major crises during our lives including beyond adolesence
environment has different effects with
age and stage in development
even prenatal environment
effects on antidepressents on various ages
different!
risks in children as well which are not present in adults
depression gender distribution equal until adolesence when becomes higher in females
define equifinality
developmental psychopathology principle that a behaviour or disorder may have several causes
eg delusions in schizophrenia or amphetamine abuse
delerium - older adults after surgery but also thiamine deficinecy or renal disease
autism - rubella as mother, or difficult labour
equal brain damage =
different severity
define resilience
social factors may protect some children being hurt by stressful experiences
caring parent/ adult offset the environment
define reaction range
degree of potential outcome determined by hereditary; actual outcome is determined by environment
non-genomic inheritance of behvaiour
biology is not destiny
