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Integrative Approach to Abnormal Behavior

• Chapter 2

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Nature v. Nurture?

• Nature (biological influences) and nurture
  (psychosocial influences) are one-dimensional
  models. Issue is one of Causality? What leads to
  abnormal behavior???? Our tendency is to
  simplify.
• Result in incomplete understandings of
  psychological disorders
• Multidimensional models allow for a more complete
  understanding of psychopathology. They are
  systemic!
• Integrated model attempts to understand of the
  complex interaction of multiple influences
• Abnormal behavior is multiply determined by
  multiple pathways

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psychological disorder
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The Interaction of Genetic and Environmental
Effects

• Models of Interaction
• The Diathesis-Stress Model
• Genetic vulnerabilities that are only expressed
  in the presence of certain environmental
  stressors
• The smaller the vulnerability, the greater the
  life stress needed to result in the disorder, and
  conversely.
• Reciprocal Gene-Environment Model
• Newer model, proposes that genetic influences
  behavior to increase likelihood of encountering
  activating stimuli. Genetic endowment increases
  the likelihood of encountering stressful life
  events.
• Non-Genomic Inheritance of Behavior
• Genes are not the whole story. Early learning
  (parenting styles and nurturance) may over-ride
  genetic predisposition.

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Neuroscience Contributions to Psychopathology

• The Field of Neuroscience
• The role of the nervous system in disease and
  behavior
• The Central Nervous System (CNS)
• Brain and spinal cord
• They process all information received from sense
  organs
• The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
• Somatic and autonomic branches

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Neuroscience and the Central Nervous System

• The Neuron
• Soma Cell body
• Dendrites Branches that receive messages from
  other neurons
• Axon Trunk of neuron that sends messages to
  other neurons
• Axon terminals Buds at end of axon from which
  chemical messages are sent
• Synapses Small gaps that separate neurons
• Neurons Function Electrically, but Communicate
  Chemically
• Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers,
  and have been critically involved in
  psychological disorders.

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Neuroscience Functions of MainTypes of
Neurotransmitters

• Functions of Neurotransmitters
• To understand functions, we have studied effects
  of agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists
• Most drugs are either agonistic or antagonistic
• Agonists increase the activity of a
  neurotransmitter by mimicking its effects
  antagonists decrease or block a neurotransmitter
  inverse agonists produce effects oposite to those
  produced by the neurotransmitter.
• Main Types and Functions of Neurotransmitters
• Serotonin (5HT)- 5 hyroxytryptomine. Regulates
  behavior, mood and thought processes. Associated
  with depression, impulsivity, and
  over-reactivity.
• Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and
  benzodiazepines. Best known for their effects on
  anxiety reduction.
• Norepinephrine and beta blockers. Regulation of
  physiological responses, such as heart rate and
  respiration.
• Dopamine and L-Dopa-activate other
  neurotransmitters, and an excess have been
  implicated in schizophrenia.

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Implications of Neuroscience for Psychopathology

• Relations Between Brain and Abnormal Behavior
• Examples include obsessive compulsive disorder
  and schizophrenia
• Experience Can Change Brain Structure and
  Function
• Therapy Can Change Brain Structure and Function
• Medications and psychotherapy

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