M10 — Mental & Behavioral Conditions

Biological Framework

— Affect, behavior and cognition as well as its disorders are functions of the brain.

Reductionism

— Simplification of complex concepts and processes which can have the tendency to ignore the actual complexity of how the brain works such as the concept of neuroplasticity.

1. Triune Model (Neuroanatomical Model)

2. Top-Down and Bottom-Up Regulation

3. Neurotransmitter Model

What are examples of Biological Framework

Triune Brain Model (Neuroanatomical Model)

— Contains 3 parts/subsystems: Cortical/Neocortex, Subcortical/Limbic System, Brainstem
— Human emotion, cognition and behavior arise from the connectivity and dynamics between these three systems.

Top-Down Regulation

— Enhancing prefrontal cortex (higher centers) and its ability to inhibit lower centers like the limbic system and brain stem.
— Change the thought (higher center) to change how you feel (lower center).
— E.g. Cognitive therapies like CBT and Narrative Therapies

Bottom-Up Regulation

— Optimizing lower centers to allow optimal cortical function (higher centers).
— Transform feeling and body sensations (lower center) to change thought (higher center).
— E.g. Sensorimotor, Somatic Therapies, EMDR

Neurotransmitter Model

— NT Pathways mediate valence (positive or negative power) and intensity of one’s emotional state and consequently affect thoughts and behavior.
— E.g. Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine/Noradrenaline, GABA

Serotonin

— Neurotransmitter for Mood.
— Lack of this (+ low epinephrine) may lead to Depression.

Dopamine

— Neurotransmitter for Reward and Cognition
— Excess of this may lead to Schizophrenia (plus low GABA) and Bipolar Disorder

Norepinephrine

— Neurotransmitter for Energy
— Lack of this (plus low serotonin) may lead to Depression and ADHD

GABA

— Neurotransmitter for Deactivation
— Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter
— Lack of this may lead to Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Psychosocial Framework

— Mental health and disorder can be explained by mental phenomena and processes, and how it interfaces with the external world.
— Mind > Brain
—. Modern psychological science recognizes the contribution of the brain’s biology in functioning; not exclusive, may harmonize with other frameworks.

Psychodynamic Model

— Unconscious processes, influenced by early experience, drive the here-and-now (thoughts, behavior, and emotions).
— A lot is going on in our unconscious mind that affects us now; Unconscious > Tangible
— Unconscious processes are highly dependent on the first 6 years of life.
— E.g. Freud’s Psychosexual Development, Id, Ego, and Superego
— Unconscious level include:

• Intrapsychic Development

• Templates of Self and Attachments

• Motivations and Conflicts

• Defence Mechanisms

• Etc.

Cognitive Model

— Behaviors and emotions arise from one’s here-and-now thoughts or tangible thoughts.
— Tangible > Unconscious
— Situations have impact based on how one interprets them.
— Automatic thoughts, intermediate beliefs, and core beliefs/schema determines our reactions and behavior.

Automatic Thoughts

— First, quick thoughts that go in our mind as a response to a situation.
— E.g. “I did’t do good enough”

Intermediate Beliefs

— Mental rules that we set on ourselves
— E.g. “I should always be on top.”

Core Beliefs/Schema

— Most basic and pervasive beliefs.
— What drives automatic thoughts and intermediate beliefs.
— E.g. “I am incompetence unless proven otherwise.”

Behavioral Model

— Behaviors are acquired from conditioning and habituation.
— ABC Model (Antecedent → Behavior → Consequence)

Humanistic Model

— Humans have the innate purpose to self-actualize.
— Behaviors arise from the desire of humans to self-actualize/arise from the goal of finding meaning in life.
— Emphasizes self-determination and meaning rather than passive mechanisms.
— E.g. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Biopsychosocial Framework

— Biological, psychological, and social factors influence each other and all contribute to the development of mental wellness or disorder.
— Longitudinal; What contributed, what contributes, and what will contribute to MH?
— Occurs longitudinally to predispose (risk factors), precipitate (trigger stressor/event), or perpetuate (maintains problem/hinder recovery) a mental state

Biopsychosocial Formulation

— Presents what predisposes, precipitates, and perpetuates a person’s mental health.
— Allows use to understand what factors contribute to a person’s mental health.
— Considers predisposing, precipitating, protecting factors and additional spirituality factor.
— Some relabel this framework to be “Biopsychosocial-Religious Model”

Stress-Diathesis Model

— MH conditions can result from the interaction of a person’s vulnerability (diathesis) and amount of stress that can cause a “breakdown.”
— Predisposing + Precipitating

Epigenetics

— Experience and environment can alter gene expression.

Neuroplasticity

— Experiences alter the brain’s structure through influencing synaptogenesis (creation of new neural connections).
— Ability of NS to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections after injuries.
— Basis of neurorehabilitation.

Developmental Psychopathology Model

— Mental health disorders may be explained not simply as de novo (new/arise from nowhere) signs and sx but by problems in the development of psychological functions (e.g. emotional regulation, self-control, executive function, etc.)
— Exposure to adverse childhood experiences may predispose one to a mental disorder.

Intergenerational Transmission

— Mental health problems tend to be passed from parent to offspring.
— MH can be d/t genetics.
— Mental illness can disrupt parenting, family systems, and consequent psychosocial development (can create disruptive social systems)

Mind-Body Connection

— Mental state can affect physical health; Body’s physical health can affect the brain and mind.
— Hypothalamus + (connects to) Pituitary Gland w/c regulates hormonal systems.
— Limbic system + (connects to) Autonomic Nervous System w/c is responsible for acute resting state