In many realms of medicine, objective diagnoses can be made: A clavicula is broken.  An infection is present. TSH levels meet the diagnostic criteria for hypothyroidism. Psychiatry, on the other hand, deals with psychological phenomena and behaviors. Can these, too, be “defined objectively and by scientific criteria (Gergen, 1985), or are they social constructions?” (Boland, Verduin, & Ruiz, 2022).

Thanks to myriad advances during recent decades, we know that psychopathology is caused by many interacting factors. Theoretical and clinical contributions to the field have come from the neural sciences, genetics, psychology, and social-cultural sciences. How do these factors impact the expression, classification, diagnosis, and prevalence of psychopathology, and why might it be important for a nurse practitioner to take a multidimensional, integrative approach?

TO PREPARE:

• Review this week’s Learning Resources, considering the many interacting factors that contribute to the development of psychopathology.
• Consider how theoretical perspective on psychopathology impacts the work of the PMHNP

DAY 3 OF WEEK 1:

Explain the biological (genetic and neuroscientific); psychological (behavioral and cognitive processes, emotional, developmental); and social, cultural, and interpersonal factors that influence the development of psychopathology.

Upload a copy of your discussion writing to the draft Turnitin for plagiarism check.  Your faculty holds the academic freedom to not accept your work and grade at a zero if your work is not uploaded as a draft submission to Turnitin as instructed.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses

SOLUTION

Factors Influencing the Development of Psychopathology

An intricate interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors influences the development of psychopathology. Each of these domains contributes uniquely to the manifestation and progression of mental health disorders.

Biological Factors

Biological influences on psychopathology stem from genetics, neurobiology, and physiological processes. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, as specific mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, tend to run in families. Variations in specific genes, such as those regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate, can increase vulnerability to mental illness.

Neuroscientific research has identified structural and functional abnormalities in the brain associated with psychopathology (Andreassen et al 2023). For instance, reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex is linked to impulse control issues in disorders such as ADHD, while hyperactivity in the amygdala is often observed in anxiety and mood disorders. Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly deficiencies or excesses in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, can disrupt emotional regulation and cognitive processing, contributing to conditions such as depression and schizophrenia………………….KINDLY CLICK THE PURCHASE ICON BELOW TO ACCESS THE ENTIRE SOLUTION FOR $12