Psychological Disorders and the Diathesis Stress Model

Diathesis-Stress Model

• The diathesis-stress model explains why individuals with similar genetics, like identical twins, may not develop the same psychological disorder.
  • Components of the Model:
  • Diathesis (Predisposition/Vulnerability): Refers to an individual's genetic makeup or early life experiences that create vulnerability to a disorder.
  • Stress: Life stressors or experiences that activate this vulnerability.
  • The interaction between diathesis and stress can lead to the onset of psychological disorders.

Biopsychosocial Model

• This model integrates biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors in the understanding and onset of psychological disorders.
  • Biological Influences: Genes, brain structure, and brain chemistry that contribute to mental disorders.
  • Psychological Influences: Past stress or trauma that affects behavior and thought patterns. Includes the concept of learned helplessness where individuals feel powerless in changing their conditions.
  • Social and Cultural Influences: Societal roles and expectations that can exacerbate or mitigate disorder symptoms.

Anxiety and Related Disorders

• Anxiety is a common human experience characterized by feelings of fear and apprehension. It is not inherently a disorder unless it leads to dysfunction.
  • Anxiety Disorders: Defined by excessive and persistent fear and anxiety that disrupt everyday life.
  • Statistics: Approximately 25-30% of the U.S. population will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime, with a higher prevalence in women.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

1. Specific Phobias:

   • Excessive and persistent fear of specific objects or situations (e.g., acrophobia - fear of heights, arachnophobia - fear of spiders).
   • Individuals often recognize their fears as irrational but struggle to overcome them.
   • Treatment involves graded exposure therapy to gradually confront fears.

2. Panic Disorder:

   • Characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, leading to persistent worry about having more attacks.
   • Individuals may engage in avoidance behaviors, worsening their anxiety.
   • Panic Attack: An intense bout of fear/discomfort that peaks within ten minutes.

3. Agoraphobia:

   • Avoidance of situations due to fear of experiencing panic attacks.
   • Can severely limit an individual's ability to function socially and access necessary resources.

4. Social Anxiety Disorder:

   • Persistent fear of being judged or evaluated negatively in social settings, leading to significant avoidance and impairment in functioning.
   • High comorbidity with alcohol use disorder due to attempts to self-medicate.

5. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

   • Characterized by a constant state of excessive worry about a variety of concerns without specific triggers.
   • Symptoms must be present more days than not for at least six months, including restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.

6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

   • Involves obsessions (intrusive, persistent thoughts) and compulsions (ritualistic behaviors meant to reduce anxiety from obsessions).
   • Common obsessions include fears of contamination, and compulsions might involve excessive cleaning or checking behavior.

7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

   • Develops after exposure to a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
   • Symptoms may include intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative mood, and heightened arousal (e.g., exaggerated startle response).

Summary of Key Points

• The development of psychological disorders can be explained through the diathesis-stress model and the biopsychosocial model.
• Anxiety is a central emotion linked to various disorders, significantly impacting a person's quality of life.
• Understanding the different types of anxiety disorders aids in recognizing symptoms and encouraging appropriate treatment strategies.