Theory: a set of ideas that provides a framework for asking questions about a phenomenon and for gathering and interpreting information about that phenomenon
Therapy: a treatment, usually based on a theory of a phenomenon, that addresses those factors the says cause the phenomenon
Biopsychosocial Approach: recognizing that it is often a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that results in the development of psychological symptoms
Diathesis-stress Model
Brain Dysfunction: one of three causes of abnormality on which biological approaches often focus
3 MAIN REGIONS OF THE BRAIN
Biochemical Imbalances and Genetic Abnormalities: other two causes of abnormality
Neurotransmitters
Dendrites
Axon
Synaptic Terminals
Synaptic Gap/Synapse
Slight gap between the synaptic terminals and the adjacent neurons
The neurotransmitter is released into the synapse then binds to special ^^receptors^^—molecules on the membrane of adjacent neurons
This binding works somewhat the way a key fits into a lock
The binding stimulates the adjacent neuron to initiate the impulse, which then runs through its dendrites and cell body and down its axon to cause the release of more neurotransmitters between it and other neurons
The amount of a neurotransmitter available in the synapse can be affected by two processes
The Process of Reuptake: occurs when the initial neuron releasing the neurotransmitter into the synapse reabsorbs the neurotransmitter, decreasing the amount left in the synapse
Degradation: occurs when the receiving neuron releases an enzyme into the synapse that breaks down the neurotransmitter into other biochemicals
Reuptake and degradation happens naturally; when one or both of these processes malfunction, abnormally high or low levels of neurotransmitter in the synapse result
Psychological symptoms may be the consequence of malfunctioning in neurotransmitter systems; also, psychological experiences may cause changes in neurotransmitter system functioning
Serotonin: a neurotransmitter that travels through many key areas of the brain, affecting the function of those areas; plays an important role in emotional well-being, particularly in depression and anxiety, and in dysfunctional behaviors, such as aggressive impulses
Dopamine: a prominent neurotransmitter in those areas of the brain associated with our experience of reinforcements or rewards, and it is affected by substances, such as alcohol, that we find rewarding; also important to the functioning of muscle systems and plays a role in disorders involving control over muscles
Norepinephrine/Noradrenaline: a neurotransmitter produced mainly by neurons in the brain stem
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid/GABA: inhibits the action of other neurotransmitters; thought to play an important role in anxiety symptoms
Hormone: carries messages throughout the body, potentially affecting a person’s mood, level of energy, and reaction to stress
Pituitary/master gland: produces the largest number of different hormones and controls the secretion of other endocrine glands; lies just below the hypothalamus
Corticotropin-release Factor (CRF)
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Axis (HPA axis)
Behavior Genetics: the study of the genetics of personality and abnormality, is concerned with two questions:
(1) To what extent are behaviors or behavioral tendencies inherited?
(2) What are the processes by which genes affect behavior?
Interaction Between Genes and Environment:
Genetics factors can influence the kinds of environments we choose, which then reinforce our genetically influenced personalities and interests.
The environment may act as a catalyst for a genetic tendency.
Epigenetics: indicates that environmental conditions can affect the expression of genes; the study of heritable changes in the expression of genes without change in the gene sequence.
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