Abnormal Psychology Chapter 2 (Unit 1)

one-dimensional model

symptoms of disorders are attributed to one of four categories/models:

biological/genetic

psychological issues

dysfunctional relationships

sociocultural influences

biological/genetic one-dimensional model

genetic factor, epigenetics, CNS/ANS reactivity

psychological one-dimensional model

experiences (especially from early childhood) contribute to irrational behaviors. personality, cognition, emotions, self-esteem, values

dysfunctional relationships one-dimensional model

abusive parent, parental neglect,

sociocultural influences one-dimensional model

race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, economic status, and ethnicity

society plays a major role! (but isn’t always the only thing that is contributing to mental disorders)

multi-path model (biopsychosocial model)

all three models (biological, psychological, social) contribute to the development of symptoms. One of the models might contribute more than others, but they are all important to think about when considering a person’s situation.

parts to the human brain

forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain

forebrain function

high-level processes: language, personality, perception, thoughts, imagination (plays a bigger part in mental disorders than the other two areas)

midbrain function

basic functions (motor movement, sleep-wake cycles, temperature regulation, hearing, etc)

hindbrain function

survival instinct skills

parts of the forebrain

cerebrum, cerebal cortex, preforontal cortex, limbic system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

limbic system (structure and function)

structure: amygdala, hippocampus (deep brain)

function: emotions, decision making, memories

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

involuntary responses: digestion, heartbeat, fight or flight

hypothalamus function

hunger, thirst, sex response

hypothalamic-pituitary, adrenal axis function

activated under stress or emotional arousal

neurotransmitter reuptake

neurotransmitters reabsorbed by original axon

Entric nervous system (ENS)

independent neural system in the GI system that functions with some of the same neurotransmitters

neuropeptides

neurotransmitter-like molecules that affect hormones and neurotransmitters in the ENS and CNS

neuroplasticity

our brain’s ability to change and respond to injury, trauma, or environmental changes. Nerve pathways used a lot become stronger (like muscle memory)

neurogenesis

birth and growth of new neurons (needed for growth, development in childhood, and learning)

neural circuits

signal-relying network of interconnected neurons (can become hardwired do something becomes “second nature”)

neural stem cells

uncommited brain cells that help the brain “bounce back”

psychopharmacology

how psychiactric medication affects symptoms

antianxiety/ minor tranquilizer function (medication)

calms patient

helps with sleep

antipsychotic/ major tranquilizer function (medication)

treats agitation, confusions, loss of contact with reality

antidepressant function (medication)

anxiety and depression symptoms

types of antidepressant medication

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): no serotonin reabsorption

Tricyclic antidepressants: increases noepinephrine and serotonin availability

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): inhibit monoamine oxidase

neurosurgical and brain stimulation treatments

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Vagus nerve stim (VNS)

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stim (rTMS)

personality components (Freud)

id (unconscious thoughts)

ego (realistic considerations)\

superego (moralistic considerations

psychosexual stages (Freud)

oral, anal, phallic, latency, genitals