Psychopathology

Question 1

What is Psychopathology?

Answer 1

Psychopathology can be defined as the scientific study of the nature, causes and effects of mental disorders.

Question 2

Biological factors that influence psychopathology

Answer 2

Biological influence on mental disorders refer to genetics, neurological and physiological aspects that contribute to the onset and progression of psychopathology
-Genetics
-Neurotransmitters
-Brain Structure and function
-Hormonal imbalances
-Medical conditions and substance use

Question 3

Genetics and hereditary

Answer 3

Certain disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder show hereditary patterns suggesting a genetic predisposition

Question 4

Neurotransmitters

Answer 4

Imbalances in chemicals such as Serotin(linked to depression) and dopamine(associated with schizophrenia) affect mental health

Question 5

Brain structure and functions

Answer 5

Neuro-imaging studies have found abnormalities in individuals with disorders.

Question 6

Hormonal imbalance

Answer 6

Dysregulation of hormones such as Cortisol(stress hormones) can lead to anxiety and mood disorders

Question 7

Medical conditions and substance use

Answer 7

Chronic illnesses can contribute to conditions such as depression and substance abuse can alter brain chemistry and contribute to psychiatric conditions

Question 8

Psychological factors

Answer 8

This refers to an individual’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors and past experiences that contribute to mental health issues.
-Cognitive patterns
-Personality traits
-Early childhood experiences and trauma
-Learned behavior and coping strategies
-Defense mechanisms

Question 9

Cognitive patterns

Answer 9

Maladaptive thinking patterns such as negative self talk, cognitive distortions contribute to mental disorders.

Question 10

Personality traits

Answer 10

Certain personality traits such as neuroticism are linked to increased vulnerability to mental disorders

Question 11

Early Childhood Experiences and Trauma

Answer 11

Adverse childhood experiences such as neglect, abuse and unresolved childhood conflicts can increase the risk of developing mental disorders

Question 12

Learned behaviors and coping strategies

Answer 12

Behavioral theories emphasize that maladaptive behavior such as phobias, substance abuse are learned through reinforcement and poor coping mechanisms can worsen psychological distress

Question 13

Defense mechanisms

Answer 13

According to psychoanalytical theories, individuals use defense mechanisms such as repression to cope with distress and sometimes can lead to maladaptive behavior

Question 14

Social factors

Answer 14

This encompasses the environmental and cultural influences that shape an individual’s mental health.
-Family and social support
-Socio-economic status
-Cultural and Societal norms
-Life stressors
- Peer Influences and social media

Question 15

Family

Answer 15

A dysfunctional family environment and lack of support can contribute to stress and mental disorders

Question 16

Socio-economic status

Answer 16

Lower economic status is associated with stress, limited access to healthcare and higher risk of mental illnesses

Question 17

Cultural and societal norms

Answer 17

Stigma surrounding mental health prevents individuals from seeking help

Question 18

Life Stressors

Answer 18

Major life events such war, loss of a loved one can trigger mental health issues

Question 19

Peer Influence and Social media

Answer 19

They can contribute to conditions such as eating disorders and anxiety