Models of Abnormal Behavior (Part 1: Diathesis; Biopsychosocial Model; Biological model

model was originally proposed by Meehl (1962) and developed further by Rosenthal (1970). It suggests that it is not a particular abnormality that is inherited but rather a predisposition to develop illness. 

Diathesis-stress model

Diathesis model is originally proposed by _____

Meehl (1962) and Rosenthal (1970)

Certain environmental forces, called _____, may activate the predisposition, resulting in a disorder. Alternatively, in a _____ and ______ environment, the abnormality may never materialize. 

stressors

benign

supportive

suggests that interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors cause mental disorders. This model was first conceptualized by George Engel in 1977.

Biopsychosocial model (1977)

Biopsychosocial model is proposed by _____

George Engel

What are the three main factors that the biopsychosocial model suggests contribute to the development of mental disorders?

Biological, psychological, and social factors

What are the shortcomings of Biopsychosocial model

Limited focus on how the three factors interact and create disorders

Little guidance in treating the disorder

Neglect the cultural factors (sociocultural e.g. poverty, race, etc.)

Models of psychopathology, whether biological, psychological, social, or sociocultural, help us to organize and make sense of what we know about mental illness. These models, however, can foster a _______ and linear explanation of mental disorders, thus limiting our ability to consider other perspectives.

one-dimensional

Shortcomings of one-dimensional explanation for psychopathology

set false dichotomy (nature vs. nurture/biological vs psychological)

Neglect that a variety of factors can cause mental disorders

Reciprocality of factors (two-way relationships e.g. social factors can also affect biological factors)

an integration of biological, psychological, social, and sociocultural influences—to explain the mental disorders.

Multipath Model

True or False

The multipath model is a theory. It is also described as a model of models.

It is also called as?

False

Metamodel

True or False (assumptions of the multipath model)

1. No single theoretical perspective can fully explain the complexity of mental disorders and the human condition.

2. Explanations of abnormal behavior must only consider biological and psychological factors.

3. All dimensions contribute equally to the development of every disorder.

4. The multipath model suggests that the same influences will always lead to the same mental disorder in different individuals.

5. A person's strengths and positive aspects of their social environment and their biological and psychological assets can protect against or facilitate recovery from mental illness

1. True

2. False (it must consider multiple pathways, e.g biological, psychological, social, and sociocultural factors)

3. False (Some dimensions of mental disorder may contribute more to a specific condition)

4. False (The multipath model is integrative and interactive (e.g. people exposed to the same influences may not develop the same disorder and that different individuals exposed to different factors may develop similar mental disorders.).

5. True

Which of the following best describes the multipath model?
a) A theoretical explanation for all mental disorders
b) A framework that considers multiple pathways and influences on mental disorders
c) A single-dimensional approach to abnormal behavior
d) A model that focuses solely on biological factors

B.

Which dimensions are important to consider when explaining abnormal behavior, according to the multipath model?
a) Only biological and psychological factors
b) Only social and environmental factors
c) Biological, psychological, social, and sociocultural factors
d) Only psychological and social factors

C.

What does current research suggest about the contribution of different dimensions to specific disorders?
a) All dimensions contribute equally to every disorder
b) Only one dimension contributes to each disorder
c) Certain etiological forces may have the strongest influence on specific disorders
d) Psychological factors always have the most significant influence

C.

According to the multipath model, how do factors combine to influence mental disorders?
a) Factors combine in simple, linear ways
b) Factors combine in complex and reciprocal ways
c) Only biological factors combine to influence mental disorders
d) Social factors are the only ones that influence mental disorders

B.

the center of consciousness, including all thoughts, memories, and emotions, is significant to psychopathology.

The human brain

Functions of the brain

(a) regulating involuntary activities for survival (breathing, heartbeat)

B. Receiving-interpreting of sensory inputs

C. Transmitting information in our body and muscles

D. Coordinating actions in response to stimuli

Three main parts of the brain

Forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain

Match the Following with Forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain.

1. responsible for higher-level mental processes

2. involved with basic functions such as hearing and vision, motor movement, alertness and sleep/wake cycles, and temperature regulation

3. the most primitive brain region; designed for self-preservation and survival; responsible for instinctive behavior, balance and equilibrium, and basic bodily functions such as heartbeat, respiration, and digestion.

1. Forebrain

2. Midbrain

3. Hindbrain

The Forebrain

1. the largest part of the brain, consisting of the right and left hemisphere

2. the outermost layers of brain tissue; cover the cerebrum

3. the outer layer of the prefrontal lobe responsible for inhibiting instinctive responses and performing complex cognitive behavior such as decision making

4. group of deep brain structures associated with emotions, decision making, and memory formation

5. structure involved with physiological reactivity and emotional memories. Center of emotions

6. structure involved with the formation, organization, and storing of emotionally relevant memories

7. Brain structure that regulates bodily drives, such as hunger, thirst, and sexual response, and body conditions, such as body temperature and circadian rhythms (controls pituitary glands).

8. a system activated under conditions of stress or emotional arousal

9. stimulates hormones associated with growth, sexual and reproductive development, metabolism, and stress responses

10. releases sex hormones; releases other hormones, such as cortisol, in response to stress.

Cerebrum

Cerebral cortex

Prefrontal cortex

Limbic System

Amygdala

Hippocampus

Hypothalamus

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system

Pituitary Gland

Adrenal Gland

regulatory chemicals that influence various physiological activities, such as metabolism, digestion, growth, and mood

Hormones

explain how irregularities in biochemical functioning trigger mental disorders. These theories are based on the involvement of the brain’s biochemical actions in most physiological and mental processes, from sleeping and digestion to thinking and feeling.

Biochemical Theories

Major Neurotransmitters

1. Influences attention and memory, dream and sleep states, and muscle activation; has excitatory and inhibitory effects

2. Influences motivation and reward-seeking behaviors; regulates movement, emotional responses, attention, and planning; has excitatory and inhibitory effects

3. Major excitatory neurotransmitters involved in cognition, memory, and learning

4. Major inhibitory neurotransmitter; calms the nerves; regulates mood and muscle tone

5. Inhibitory effects regulate temperature, mood, appetite, and sleep; reduced _______ can increase impulsive behavior and aggression.

6. excitatory functions including regulating attention, arousal and concentration, dreaming, and moods; as a hormone, it influences physiological reactions related to stress response (constricted attention, blood flow, heart rate, etc.)

1. Acetylcholine

2. Dopamine

3. Glutamate

4. GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric Acid)

5. Serotonin

6. Epinephrine and Norephenprine

Neurotransmitters associated with:

1. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; autism; depression; schizophrenia; substance use disorders; Parkinson’s disease

2. Depression, suicide, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders

3. Anxiety and stress disorders; sleep disorders

4. Anxiety disorders; attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder; bipolar disorder; depression; schizophrenia

5. Alzheimer’s disease: autism; depression; obsessive-compulsive disorder; schizophrenia

6. Alzheimer’s disease

1. Dopamine

2. Serotonin

3. Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

4. GABA

5. Glutamate

6. Acetylcholine

Hormone

1. Steroid hormone released in response to stress

2. Stimulates hunger and boosts the appeal of food

3. Suppresses appetite

4. Regulates circadian sleep and wake cycles

5. neuropeptide hormone influencing lactation and complex social behavior (including nurturing and bonding)

1. Cortisol

2. Ghrelin

3. Leptin

4. Melatonin

5. Oxytocin

Associated hormones to these disorders

Anorexia nervosa: depression; stress-related disorders

Anorexia nervosa: schizophrenia

Bipolar disorder; depression, particularly seasonal depression; schizophrenia; obsessive compulsive disorder

Autism; anxiety; schizophrenia

eating disorders; obesity

1. Cortisol

2. Leptin

3. Melatonin

4. Oxytocin

5. Ghrelin

Enables the brain to adjust to environmental circumstances or to compensate for injury. Many factors influence changes in our brains, including the following: our interactions with people, places, and events; our thoughts and emotional reactions; and biological factors such as health, nutritional intake, and exercise patterns.

Neuroplasticity

nerve pathways that we use frequently become _____ and thus become stronger and more efficient.

Myelinated

what is the saying that refers to another important concept related to neuroplasticity—nerve pathways that we use frequently become myelinated and thus become stronger and more efficient.

Neurons that fire together, wire together

The process of eliminating certain neurons that are no longer in use

Pruning

brain changes associated with the birth of new neurons

Neurogenesis

Neuroplastic changes, especially neurogenesis is particularly relevant in which part of the brain?

Hippocampus

(uncommitted cells) in certain regions of our brain, cells that can be stimulated to form new neurons and glia is called?

Neural Stem Cells

refers to biochemical activities occurring outside of our genes. occur when environmental factors trigger processes that affect gene expression

Epigenetics

True or False

Men have larger hypothalamus and amygdala than women while women have larger hippocampus than men.

The hippocampus and amygdala relate to?

Hippocampus relates to?

True

sexual behavior

Emotional memory, memory

True or False

The female brain has a thicker right hemisphere and the male brain has thicker left hemisphere

False

thicker right hemisphere for males is associated with

The thicker left hemisphere for females is associated with

spatial skills

Communication

TRUE OR FALSE:

• Men and women use the same brain regions when recognizing and processing emotions.

• The female brain is generally more integrated and tends to use both hemispheres more efficiently than the male brain.

• Men and women have identical neurotransmitter systems with no significant differences in serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.

• The differences between male and female brains are extensive enough to suggest that nature has separate blueprints for brain development in males and females.

• Brain regions associated with spatial and navigational skills are generally larger in women, while regions associated with fine motor and communication skills are larger in men.

• Some sex differences in brain development are likely evolutionary in nature.

• The male brain generally displays greater neural efficiency compared to the female brain.

False (Men and women tend to use different brain regions for these processes.)

True

False (There are differences in neurotransmitter systems between men and women.)

True

False (spatial and navigational skills are larger in men and communication and fine motor skills are larger for women)

True

False (The female brain generally displays greater neural efficiency compared to the female brain.)

believed to influence prenatal gender differences in brain development, as well as brain changes during critical periods such as puberty.

Sex-linked genes and testosterone

True or False

Gender differences in brain functioning have no impact on the frequency or progression of mental disorders in men and women.

Disorders involving reactivity to stress, like depression and anxiety, and eating disorders are more prevalent among men and boys.

Disorders involving impulsivity and risk-taking, such as substance abuse and attention-deficit disorder, are more common in women and girls.

Understanding gender differences in brain functioning could help in developing gender-specific treatments or prevention strategies for mental disorders.

False

False (for female)

False (for male)

True

Treatments based on biological principles that aims to improve social and emotional functioning by producing changes to physiological processing

Biological-Based Treatment Techniques

is the study of how psychotropic medications affect psychiatric symptoms, including thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Psychopharmacology

prescribed after careful diagnosis and analysis of symptoms, are widely used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. 

Psychotropic medications

Classes of medication used to treat mental disorders include

Antianxiety (minor tranquilizers)

Antipsychotics (major tranquilizers)

Antidepressants (used for depression and anxiety)

Mood stabilizers (also called as antimanic)

such as benzodiazepines (including Valium and Xanax) are used to calm people and to help them sleep. 

Antianxiety

(also referred to as neuroleptics or major tranquilizers) play a major role in treating the agitation, mental confusion, and loss of contact with reality associated with psychotic symptoms. 

Antipsychotic

Many of these medications increase the availability of neurotransmitters by blocking their reabsorption, allowing them to remain in the synapse and produce neural-communication effects for a longer period. 

Antidepressant

medications are prescribed to treat the excitement associated with episodes of mania, as well as to help prevent future mood swings.

mood stabilizers

Example of antianxiety drugs

Benzodiazepines (Valium and Xanax)

Example of mood stabilizers

Lithium and other psychotics medications

is a procedure that can change brain chemistry and reverse symptoms associated with some mental disorders. usually reserved for those who have not responded to other treatments, applies moderate electric voltage to the brain to induce a short convulsion

ECG (Electroconvulsive Therapy)

performing brain surgery in an attempt to correct a severe mental disorder. This involves destruction or removal of a small area of the brain.

Psychosurgery

What is the third treatment of the biological model aside from the electroconvulsive therapy and psychopharmacology

Neurosurgical and Brain Stimulation Treatments

True or False

Psychosurgery involves stimulating a small area of the brain to treat mental disorders.

psychosurgery raised both scientific and ethical concerns, leading to its decline in use.

A contemporary neurosurgical treatment

False

True

DBS (deep brain stimulation)

involves implanting electrodes that produce ongoing stimulation of specific regions of the brain.

Deep brain stimulation

Another approach, vagus nerve stimulation, involves surgically implanting a pacemaker-like device under the skin on the chest;

Vagus Brain Stimulation

the longest cranial nerve that is the common target for Deep Brain Stimulation (pace-maker) in the chest.

Vagus Nerve

A noninvasive brain stimulation procedure, involves weeks of daily stimulation of the prefrontal cortex and regions of the brain involved with mood regulation; this is done by means of magnetic pulses emitted from an electromagnetic coil held against the forehead

rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

True or False

Most biological models of mental illness strongly consider psychological, social, and cultural influences.

Biological models are often criticized for neglecting individual and environmental factors in mental illness.

There is clear guidance on when to use psychotherapy in conjunction with medication in treatment planning.

Prescribing multiple medications has become common, making it important to monitor for side effects and drug interactions.

Collaboration between mental health professionals, health care providers, and clients is important in monitoring the effectiveness of medications.

Another concern for biological models is the limited focus on ethnic or gender group differences in physiological response to medication.

False

True

False

True

True

True

The majority of biological research comes from physicians and researchers whose worldview strongly supports the _____ ____ and the use of medication to treat mental disorders

medical model