Lecture 2 - Theories Flashcards
Stress-Sensitization Theory:
Stress-sensitization refers to the concept that repeated or chronic exposure to stress increases the individual’s vulnerability to future stressors. This theory suggests that the body’s ability to recover (homeostasis) diminishes over time, leading to increased sensitivity to subsequent stress.
Someone who has experienced multiple traumatic events may develop PTSD and have exaggerated stress responses to minor stressors later in life, such as a sudden loud noise.
Allostatic Load Theory
Allostatic load refers to the cumulative wear and tear on the body’s systems due to repeated activation of stress responses. The theory suggests that chronic stress leads to physiological changes that can result in mental and physical health issues.
A person under constant financial stress might develop hypertension or anxiety as a result of the body’s prolonged attempt to cope with stress.
Tripartite Model of Anxiety and Depression
This model identifies three core components that overlap between anxiety and depression:
1. high negative affect (present in both disorders)
2. low positive affect (specific to depression)
3. physiological hyperarousal (specific to anxiety).
A person with both anxiety and depression may experience constant worry (high negative affect), lack of interest in activities (low positive affect), and panic attacks (physiological hyperarousal).
Cross-Reinforcement in Substance Use
Cross-reinforcement refers to the idea that the use of one substance increases the craving for another.
Cross-Tolerance in Substance Use
Cross-tolerance occurs when regular use of one substance leads to reduced sensitivity to another, requiring higher doses of both.
A person who smokes and drinks alcohol may find that the use of one increases the desire for the other, making it harder to quit either substance.
Hormesis
Hormesis is a concept from biology and toxicology where exposure to low levels of a harmful substance or stressor induces an adaptive, beneficial response, but high levels lead to damage or disease.
Mild stress from exercise can enhance physical fitness and resilience, while excessive exercise can lead to injury or burnout.
Tripartite vs traditional model of anxiety and depression
The Tripartite Model highlights how these conditions overlap, making comorbidity more understandable.
For example, a person with both disorders may experience high negative affect and low positive affect, which complicates diagnosis and treatment. This model shows why it’s common for people to have both anxiety and depression simultaneously, as the shared emotional symptoms may cause overlap in clinical presentations.
Development of PTSD according to the stress-sensitivity model
In the context of PTSD, this means that someone exposed to multiple traumas (e.g., soldiers or refugees) becomes increasingly sensitive to stress, and even minor stressors can trigger severe PTSD symptoms. Over time, the individual’s stress response becomes exaggerated, and their ability to recover from stress diminishes.
treatment of PTSD according to the stress-sensitivity model
This theory suggests that treatment for PTSD should not only focus on managing the initial trauma but also on building resilience to future stress. Therapeutic interventions, such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), can help patients process past traumas and develop strategies for managing future stressors more effectively.
cross-reinforcement and cross-tolerance implications for treatment
Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for designing interventions. For example, in treating alcohol and nicotine addiction, it’s important to address both substances simultaneously rather than treating them separately. Behavioral therapies that target cue-induced cravings and pharmacological treatments (e.g., nicotine replacement or medications like naltrexone) that reduce the reinforcing effects of both substances may be more effective.
Discuss the concept of hormesis and how it applies to mental health. Can mild stressors ever be beneficial? Provide examples from the lecture or your own experience.
Hormesis refers to the concept that low levels of a harmful stressor can have beneficial effects by inducing adaptive responses. In mental health, this idea suggests that mild stressors can help individuals build resilience and improve their ability to cope with future challenges.
Moderate exercise is a physical stressor that can improve mood and cognitive function, reducing the risk of depression and anxiety. However, excessive exercise can have the opposite effect, leading to burnout and mental exhaustion. Similarly, small doses of psychological stress, like preparing for a presentation, can enhance performance and build confidence, while overwhelming stress can lead to anxiety or burnout.
