Chapter 2 Flashcards
What are models of psychopathology?
-framework/set of basic assumptions that guide ways of viewing, thinking, and explaining what we see in the world
-guides the definition, examination, and treatment of mental disorders
What are the Major Models/Paradigms (one-dimensional models)?
-biological
-cognitive-behavioural
-psychoanalytic/psychodynamic
-humanistic
What is the problem with one-dimensional perspectives?
-each model has bias
-set up a false “either-or” dichotomy between accepting one explanation or another
-neglect the possibility that a variety of factors contribute to the development of mental disorders
-fail to recognize the reciprocal interactions of various factors
What is a Multipath Model?
-a model that provides an organizational framework for understanding the numerous influences on the development of mental disorders, the complexity of their interacting components, and the need to view disorders from a holistic framework
What are the assumptions of the multipath model?
-no one theoretical perspective is adequate to explain the development of mental disorders
-multiple pathways contribute to the development of any single disorder
-not all dimensions contribute equally
-the multipath model is integrative and interactive
How do dimensions work?
-each dimension may include variety of explanations
-interactions within and between dimensions
-different combinations within/across dimensions can influence disorders
-same factors may cause different disorders (genetic predisposition
What are the aspects of Dimension 1: Biological Factors?
-genetics; brain anatomy; biochemical imbalances; central nervous system functioning; autonomic nervous system reactivity
What are the assumptions of the Biological Factor?
-our characteristics are embedded in genetic material
-thoughts/ emotions/ behaviours involve/change biological processes
-mental disorders are associated with inherited biological vulnerability and/or brain abnormality
-medications and other biological interventions influence various biological processes in the brain
What are the Cerebral and Prefrontal Cortex responsible for?
-cerebral cortex: advanced cognitive functions
-prefrontal cortex: attention, behaviour, emotions
What is the Limbic System and its parts responsible for?
-limbic system: emotions, decision making, memories
–thalamus: “relay station” transmits nerve impulses throughout brain
–hypothalamus: regulates bodily drives through hormone release
–hippocampus: learning and memory
–amygdala: involves experiencing/expressing emotions and motivation
When is the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activated?
-activated under conditions of stress or emotional arousal
-dysregulation of HPA result in abnormal behaviours
What are the brain abnormalities that result in abnormal behaviours?
-abnormal functioning within brain regions; or
-structural differences in brain regions (Phineas Gage)
What is the basic structure of a neuron?
-dendrites: receive signals from other neurons
-cell body
-axons: send signals to other neurons
-synapse: gap between axon of sending neuron and dendrites of receiving neuron
What are neurotransmitters and their dysfunctions?
-chemicals involved in transmission of neural impulses
-dysfunction is: amount of NTs (too high or low); synapse deactivation mechanisms; receptor sensitivity (enzymes breaking down NTs too quickly or not at all)
What are the Major Neurotransmitters and their associated disorders?
-serotonin - OCD; Schizophrenia; mood disorders
-dopamine - Schizophrenia; ADHD; mood disorders; Parkinson’s
-Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) - anxiety disorders; ADHD
-Norepinephrine - anxiety disorders; sleep disorders
What is the function of serotonin?
-inhibitory effects regulate temperature, mood, appetite, and sleep
-reduced serotonin can increase impulsive behaviour and aggression
What is the function of dopamine?
-influences motivation and reward-seeking behaviours;
-regulates movement, emotional responses, attention, and planning;
-has excitatory and inhibitory effects
What is the function of GABA?
-major inhibitory NT, regulation of mood, arousal, behaviour, calm nerves
What is the function of norepinephrine?
-regulation of attention, arousal and concentration, dreaming, and moods
-as a hormone, influences physiological reactions related to stress response
What is Heredity?
-genetic transmission of traits
–heredity plays a role in most mental disorders
–most forms of abnormal behaviour are polygenic (multiple genes are involved)
What is Genotype?
-genetic material, unobservable, fixed at birth, inherited
What is Phenotype?
-observable trait (eye colour, behaviour, mental disorder)
-changes over time
-product of interaction between genotype and environment
What is gene expression?
-the process by which information encoded in a gene is translated into a phenotype
–genes can be “turned on” or “turned off”
What is epigenetics?
-field of biological research focused on understanding how environmental factors influence gene expression
What are the biology-based treatments?
-psychotropic medications
-electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
-psychosurgery
-brain stimulation treatments
What do Psychotropic medications do?
-do not cure mental disorders, they help alleviate symptoms
What are the positive effects of psychotropic medications?
-improves the lives of many people with mental illness
-stabilizing symptoms of mental health disorders
-individuals are better able to participate in other forms of treatment
What are the limitations of psychotropic medications?
-when medication ends the symptoms return
-side effects and possible drug-drug interactions
-limited focus on ethnic or gender group differences in physiological response to medication (trial & error)
What is ECT?
-induce small seizures with electricity or magnetism
-reserved for those not responding to other treatments
What is Psychosurgery?
-removing parts of the brain
-very uncommon today
What is brain stimulation treatments?
-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)