User:Atcovi/Psychopathology/Chapter 3

Models of Psychopathology

• Paradigm = Philosophical/theoretical framework of a "school of thought". These paradigms explained basic concepts, such as "the earth is flat", and proving these paradigms wrong opened up a huge amount of potential work to be done in the scientific community.

For a preview, the brain is made up of over a billion nerve cells (neurons) and has billions of 'support cells' (glia). Glial cells provide support/protection for the neurons and maintain homeostasis. Message is felt on dendrites --> [travels to] axon --> synapses --> [stimulation leads to] release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic space --> [received on] dendrites of receiving neuron.

Below, we will review the type of models:

1. The Biological Model - Mental illnesses/displacement of thoughts, emotions, and behavior are because of abnormalities in brain function or brain anatomy/chemistry.

How do they explain abnormal behavior?

• Through deficiencies/overproduction of certain neurotransmitters... for example, low serotonin = depression, too much dopamine = schizophrenia, high epinephrine/low GABA = anxiety.
• Abnormal production of hormones can also lead to mental disorders, particularly cortisol.
• Brain structure & brain circuits: Issues with certain brain structures (cerebrum and its parts for example) could cause mental issues as well. Brain circuits are the opposite... focus on the functionality of brain circuits. For example, the "fear circuit" (axons of one neuron from one structure extend to other structures in the fear circuit... abnormality in this has been seen in patients with PTSD).
• Genes: Genes are parts of DNA that have specific duties (for example, making proteins).