Behavioral Perspective - Dopamine Hypothesis

Behavioral perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by maladaptive (unhelpful) learned associations/conditioning.

Psychodynamic perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by unconscious thoughts and experiences, often developed during childhood

Humanistic perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by a lack of social support and being unable to fulfill one’s potential.

Cognitive perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by maladaptive thoughts, beliefs, attitudes or emotions.

Evolutionary perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by genetic mutations that cause behaviors and mental processes that may have once been adaptive, or may be adaptive in some circumstances, but not generally adaptive today, Ex. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorders may be effects of a genetic mutation that promote creativity.

Sociocultural perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by maladaptive social and cultural relationships and dynamics.

Biological perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by physiological or genetic issues.

Biopsychosocial model

assumes that psychological disorders involve a combination of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors.

Diathesis-stress model

assumes that psychological disorders develop due to a genetic vulnerability (diathesis) in combination with a stressful life experiences (stress)

Neurodevelopment disorders

defined as beginning in childhood. Characterized by exhibiting behaviors inappropriate for a persons age or maturity range. Causes are environmental, physiological, and/or genetic.

Delusions

false beliefs, often of grandeur (exaggerated sense of self-importance) or persecution (everyone is out to get me)

Hallucinations

false perceptions (no sensory input), can involve multiple senses but most often hearing

Word salad

stringing words together in nonsensical ways

Catatonia

disorganized movement can be stupor (lack of movement) or excitement (excessive, often repetitive movements)

Flat affect

no emotional expression or emotional expressions inappropriate for a given situation

Dopamine hypothesis

people with schizophrenia have high levels of dopamine