Current Paradigms in Psychopathology

Discussion on the current paradigm in relation to psychopathology.
- Brief recap leading into the main topics of neuroscience and relevant psychological theories.
- Introduction to the chapter three activity from "Saving Normal" book.
Decision to cover the activity first before delving into diagnosis.

Importance of attending Canvas announcements for updates on office hours.
- Mention of being part of a new committee that might affect office hours.
- Suggests students to reach out for scheduling alternative meetings if needed.
Reminder about weather updates and class potential cancellations due to heavy snowfall.

Overview of various perspectives used to understand psychopathology:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Exploration of the neuroscience perspective with a focus on brain function and structure differences.

Emphasis on the relationship between brain function/structure differences and disorders.
- Increasing research funding throughout the last 15-20 years.
- Notable historical figures: Hippocrates, Plato, and their early connections to brain pathology.
Technological advancements in brain imaging research (e.g., fMRI, CAT scans).
- Issues regarding replicability and reliability of findings.
Example Study: Salmon Study
- Graduate students scanned a deceased salmon, discovering brain activity.
- Highlights the dangers of false positives in brain imaging due to extensive statistical analyses.
- Discusses the complexity of discerning true findings from errors in research.

Discussion of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex (HPA axis) in stress response.
- Explanation of cortisol as a marker of stress response.
- Research implications on anxiety and stress-related disorders, specifically linking cortisol levels.
Delay in cortisol response:
- Stress leads to a cortisol surge approximately 20-40 minutes post-event, affecting study dynamics.
- Considerations for accurately measuring hormonal impacts in research.

Explanation of the autonomic nervous system and its branches:
- Sympathetic division (responding to stress) and parasympathetic division (calming down).
Physiological changes during stress response:
- Increased heart rate to supply oxygen.
- Dilation of pupils for better vision.
- Bodily reactions like voiding the bladder during extreme stress.
Importance of maintaining balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems to avoid chronic stress impacts.

Introduction to cognitive behavioral theory as a leading approach for understanding several mental disorders.
- Major applicability to anxiety, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and some personality disorders.
Contrast with genetic and neuroscience paradigms, emphasizing psychological perspectives, specifically thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Key figure in CBT: Aaron Beck - pivotal in applying cognitive and behavioral theories to treat psychological disorders.

CBT characterized by:
- Short-term psychotherapy approach (12-18 weeks) with structured sessions and specific agendas.
- Prevalence of interventions focused on current difficulties rather than historical experiences (as in psychoanalysis).
- Example: Cognitive Processing Therapy focusing on current thought patterns associated with trauma.
Varied clinical applications, with therapy duration depending on individual needs.

Addressing the interaction of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Example demonstrating divergent interpretations of the same event leading to different feelings and behaviors.
Therapists help patients identify thought patterns that trigger emotional responses, influencing behavior.
Distinction regarding effective interventions in depression, mood disorders, and anxiety:
- Commonly identified negative triad in depressive thought patterns.

Overview of the variety of CBT applications:
- Exposure Therapy: behavior-focused, especially effective for phobias.
- Rational Emotive Therapy: emphasizes feelings while also integrating thoughts and behaviors.
Credit to CBT's effectiveness across various presenting problems including:
- Communication issues in couples, grief management, and even physical pain management.

Medications as primary treatments for certain disorders (especially severe forms of psychosis).
Difference between underlying causes of disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) where CBT is not the primary form of intervention due to being symptom rather than cause-focused.
Acknowledgment of unmet needs regarding diagnostics in autism treatment, medication vs. behavioral interventions.

Mention of psychodynamic theories as a secondary, though less popular, perspective in understanding psychopathology today.
- Interpersonal theory and system dynamics acknowledged to provide alternative understandings in context.
Systems Theory: addresses sociocultural and ecological models, recognizing individual contexts influencing psychopathological states.

Summary of the importance of understanding psychopathology from various paradigms, ensuring comprehensive treatment and addressing limitations of any single perspective.
Engaging provision of the material prepares students for further exploration of treatment options and paradigms in later discussions.