NRNP-6635 Week 1: Discussion

NRNP-6635 Week 1: Discussion – FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY sample 1

Psychopathology is the study of mental disorders and unusual behavior that can be influenced by many factors, including biology (Genetic and neuroscientific), psychology (thoughts), and social factors (social surroundings). Psychopathology is the discipline that provides psychiatrists with basic knowledge about the abnormal phenomena that affect the human mind and with a valid, reliable method to appraise them (Stranghellini & Broome, 2014).

Biological Factors: Genetic and Neuroscientific Influences.

Genetic Influence: The genetic influence in mental disorders, known as heritability, has been studied mainly in conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Studies show that people with relatives affected by these disorders are more likely to experience similar mental health challenges. Family studies using modern methodology show substantial familial aggregation for all major psychiatric disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and alcohol dependence, as well as many syndromes, such as panic disorders (Smoller et al., 2019). Also, certain genes and genetic variations can influence mental disorders.

Neuroscientific influence: Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate, play a significant role in how we feel and think. When these chemicals are out of balance, it can lead to conditions like depression, schizophrenia, or anxiety. Also, things that happen when we are growing up, or what our mothers were exposed to while pregnant, can influence conditions like autism or ADHD.

Psychological Factors: Behavioral and Cognitive Processes, Emotional, Developmental.

Behavioral and Cognitive Process: This approach suggests that normal and abnormal behaviors are learned or influenced by their environment. Maladaptive behaviors can be learned through operant and classical conditioning. Operant (instrumental) and classical (Pavlovian) conditioning are taught as the simplest forms of associative learning (Colomb & Brembs, 2010). According to the cognitive processes of psychopathology, abnormal behavior results from faulty mental processes or thinking patterns, such as overgeneralization, which can significantly contribute to disorders like depression and anxiety.

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Emotional and Developmental: Emotional processes play a crucial role in mental disorders, particularly in terms of emotion regulation and stress management. For example, someone suffering from depression may struggle with chronic sadness and anhedonia. Developmentally, early childhood experiences such as abuse can lead to the development of mental disorders and sometimes result in an insecure attachment style. Mental disorders can also develop during critical developmental periods or stages, such as adolescence.

Social, Cultural, and Interpersonal Factors
Socioeconomic status and social support can impact the development of mental disorders. An individual’s financial situation and the support they receive from others can impact their mental health. Financial struggles and living in poor conditions can contribute to higher stress levels, resulting in mental disorders. Cultural norms have a significant impact on how people express, understand, and deal with mental illness. Some may feel ashamed, avoid seeking help, or worry that others might judge others. Managing these cultural differences can be very stressful. Furthermore, strong interpersonal relationships are crucial for mental well-being. Supportive friends and family can help reduce stress, whereas social isolation can increase the risk of mental health issues.

In conclusion, mental health problems arise from a combination of biological factors, cognitive patterns, and social interactions. Understanding these components is crucial for developing effective interventions and treatments for mental health conditions.

References

Stanghellini G, Broome MR. Psychopathology is the basic science of psychiatry. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2014;205(3):169-170. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.113.138974

Colomb, J., & Brembs, B. (2010). The biology of psychology: ‘Simple’ conditioning? Communicative & Integrative Biology, 3(2), 142-145. https://doi.org/10.4161/cib.3.2.10334

Smoller, J. W., Andreassen, O. A., Edenberg, H. J., Faraone, S. V., Glatt, S. J., & Kendler, K. S. (2019). Psychiatric Genetics and the Structure of Psychopathology. Molecular Psychiatry, 24(3), 409. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-017-0010-4

NRNP-6635 Week 1: Discussion – FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY sample 2

Factors That Influence the Development of Psychopathology

A detailed understanding of the complex interplay of factors that influence the development of mental health disorders is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. One such factor is genetics. The existing research indicates that conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder have significant hereditary components (Haywood et al., 2022). For example, there are higher concordance rates for these disorders among identical twins than fraternal twins, demonstrating a strong genetic link (Haywood et al., 2022). In addition, apart from genetics, another major biological factor that predisposes an individual to psychiatric complications is neuroscience. According to Remes et al. (2021), dysregulation of neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, is associated with depression and anxiety. Furthermore, structural anomalies, such as enlarged ventricles seen in some individuals with schizophrenia, and functional irregularities, like reduced prefrontal cortex activity in those with depression, highlight the importance of brain structure and function in psychopathology (Remes et al., 2021).

Aside from biological variables, psychological factors are also highly implicated in mental health issues. In this case, behavioral theories emphasize the role of conditioning and learning in developing maladaptive behaviors (Deckert et al., 2023). For instance, phobias arise through conditioning, where an initially neutral stimulus becomes associated with a fear response due to past experiences (Deckert et al., 2023). Likewise, in relation to cognition, negative automatic thoughts and dysfunctional attitudes contribute significantly to disorders like depression and anxiety (Deckert et al., 2023). It is well-documented that individuals with depression exhibit negative thoughts about themselves, their world, and their future, which perpetuates their symptoms (Deckert et al., 2023). Besides, still in relation to psychological factors, emotional regulation, and early attachment experiences are crucial for mental health. According to Bosmans and Borelli (2022), there is no dispute that secure attachment in early childhood fosters healthy emotional development, while insecure attachment leads to increased vulnerability to mental disorders.

Lastly, sociocultural factors also impact mental health. This is because strong social support networks are known to improve resilience and aid recovery from mental health issues (Remes et al., 2021). Likewise, cultural norms and values shape the expression, perception, and classification of mental disorders. In this case, somatic symptoms of depression are more commonly reported in some cultures compared to others, hence reflecting cultural variations in how psychological distress is manifested (Remes et al., 2021).

References

Bosmans, G., & Borelli, J. (2022). Attachment and the Development of Psychopathology: Introduction to the Special Issue. Brain Sci, 12(2). https://doi.org/ 10.3390/brainsci12020174Links to an external site.

Deckert, J., Eichner, F. A., Kohls, M., Störk, S., Heuschmann, P. U., Hein, G., Gelbrich, G., Weißbrich, B., Dölken, L., Kurzai, O., Ertl, G., Barth, M., & Morbach, C. (2023). Differential network interactions between psychosocial factors, mental health, and health-related quality of life in women and men. Psychiatric Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38525-8Links to an external site.

Haywood, D., Baughman, F., Mullan, B., & Heslop, K. (2022). What accounts for the factors of psychopathology? An investigation of the neurocognitive correlates of internalizing, externalizing, and the P-factor. Brain Sci, 12(4). https://doi.org/ 10.3390/brainsci12040421Links to an external site.

Remes, O., Mendes, J. F., & Templeton, P. (2021). Biological, Psychological, and Social Determinants of Depression: A Review of Recent Literature. Brain Sci, 11(12). https://doi.org/ 10.3390/brainsci11121633Links to an external site.

NRNP-6635 Week 1: Discussion – FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY sample 3

Week 1 initial Discussion  post

Factors Influencing the Development of Psychopathology

The emergence of psychopathology, which involves the presentation of mental disorders, is a multifaceted process impacted by biological, psychological, and social factors. Each of these components plays a crucial function in influencing an individual’s mental well-being.

Psychopathology refers to the field of research that focuses on mental diseases and maladaptive behaviors. It is commonly known as unusual psychology. According to Butcher and Kendall (2018), it is imperative for mental health professionals in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and social work to possess a comprehensive understanding of the etiology of mental disorders. According to Butcher and Kendall (2018), child and teenage psychopathology is more intricate and potentially more adaptable than adult psychopathology. Psychopathology is composed of various elements including physical, physiological, genetic, and neurological components such as neurotransmitters, neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy (Butcher & Kendall, 2020).

Biological psychologists focus on the psychological factors that influence the behavior of both humans and animals. MacDuffie and Truman (2019) seek to understand the influence of various cognitive processes, such as genetics and neurochemical composition, on human behavior. Psychologists can deepen their understanding of the development of psychopathology by studying the brain and physiological mechanisms that influence cognitive, behavioral, and emotional processes. An analysis of the biological factors that influence psychopathology is highly significant as it provides valuable insights for developing and implementing ways to avoid and intervene in psychopathological illnesses.

Psychological variables refer to the long-lasting mental, emotional, and behavioral processes that occur across a person’s lifetime. This process involves changes in three areas: behavior, cognition, and social-emotional functioning (Sadoc et al., 2018). Personality traits are typically understood as essential qualities that cover an individual’s behavioral patterns, emotional reactions to social encounters, and the act of self-reflection and evaluation throughout their life. However, individuals may occasionally display joy, tears, anger, introspection, or vicious behavior. It is important to emphasize that the variability of an individual’s “personality” is not the main focus. Instead, the key feature is the overall balance of their cognition, affect, and behavior, rather than their immediate reactions to specific situations. Sigmund Freud emphasized the importance of the early parent-child bond in the development of mental illness (Sadoc et al., 2018).

Individuals from lower socioeconomic levels exhibit a greater incidence of mental illness compared to those from higher socioeconomic groups. Social cultural aspects refer to a variety of beliefs, attitudes, and conceptions that have an impact on the development and maturity of an individual. Ethnicity is a fundamental aspect of cultural identity and should be distinguished from the notion of race. Ethnicity is the state of belonging to a group that is defined by common cultural, traditional, and familial connections. The term “race” refers to a group of people who have common physical characteristics, as well as cultural and historical histories (MacDuffie & Strauman, 2019). The absence of understanding concerning a patient’s racial and ethnic differences leads to inconsistencies in the procedures of evaluating, diagnosing, and treating. The fundamental elements of their composition mostly comprise habits, morals, and actions. Cheung and Mak (2017) contend that social cultural factors play a crucial role in shaping an individual’s level of community involvement and level of maturity. There exists a robust link between emotional and behavioral disorders and environmental factors. While mental illnesses may share many similarities, the study of abnormal psychology is primarily shaped by social interpretations and cultural beliefs. The presentation, expression, categorization, and treatment of illnesses display differences based on cultural circumstances (Cheung & Mak, 2017).

References

Butcher, J. N., & Kendall, P. C. (2020). Introduction to childhood and adolescent psychopathology. In J. N. Butcher & P. C. Kendall (Eds.), APA handbook of psychopathology: Child and adolescent psychopathology., Vol. 2. (pp. 3–14). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000065-001.

Cheung, F. M., & Mak, W. W. S. (2016). Sociocultural factors in psychopathology. In J. N. Butcher & J. M. Hooley (Eds.), APA handbook of psychopathology: Psychopathology: Understanding, assessing, and treating adult mental disorders., Vol. 1. (pp. 127–147). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000064-006.Links to an external site.

Jackson, C. E., & Milberg, W. P. (2017). Examination of neurological and neuropsychological features in psychopathology. In J. N. Butcher & J. M. Hooley (Eds.), APA handbook of psychopathology: Psychopathology: Understanding, assessing, and treating adult mental disorders., Vol. 1. (pp. 65–90). American Psychological Association

MacDuffie, K. E., & Strauman, T. J. (2019). Understanding Our Own Biology: The Relevance of Auto‐Biological Attributions for Mental Health. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 24(1), 50–68.

Mechanic, D., & McAlpine, D. D. (2012). The Influence of Social Factors on Mental Health. Principles and Practice of Geriatric Psychiatry, 95-98. https://doi.org/10.1002/0470846410.ch17

Sadock, B. J., Sadock, V. A., & Ruiz, P. (2018). Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry (11thed.). Wolters Kluwer.