Chapter 2 - Psychological Disorders

Etiology

Origins

Nature

Biological/Genetic

Nurture

Environment

Theory

Set of ideas that provides a framework for questioning, gathering, and interpreting information about a phenomenon - describe causes or contributing factors to mental disorders

Sociocultural approach

Views psychological disorders as the result of environmental conditions and cultural norms

Biological approach

Views disorders as the result of abnormal genes or neurobiological dysfunction

Psychological approach

Views disorders as the result of thinking processes, personality styles, emotions, and conditioning

Biopsychosocial Model

Biological, Psychological, and sociocultural factors with feedback loops

Biopsychosocial Model: Biological

Emphasis on biological processes (e.g. genetics)

Biopsychosocial Model: Sociocultural

Emphasis on interpersonal relationships, social environment, culture

Biopsychosocial Model: Psychological

Emphasis on psychological factors, such as early childhood experience and self-concept

Diathesis-Stress Model

Vulnerability (risk factor) + stress (causes discomfort/trigger) = disorder

Integrated Model

Many risks factors AND triggers are transdiagnostic, meaning that they impact the risk for multiple types of psychological disorders (includes both the diathesis + stress AND biological, psychological, and social theories)

What do biological theories lead to with treatments?

Prescribing medication

What do psychological and some sociocultural approaches lead to with treatments?

Prescribing psychotherapy

What do sociocultural approaches lead to with treatments?

Change social policies or the social conditions of vulnerable individuals

Structural theories

Abnormalities in the structure of the brain causes mental disorders

Biochemical Theories

Imbalances in the levels of neurotransmitters or hormones or poor functioning of receptors causes mental disorders

Genetic Theories

Disordered genes lead to mental disorders