Psychopathology

by | Mar 4, 2023 | Psychology

 

 

 

 

 

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?

 

Sample Solution

The expression, classification, diagnosis and prevalence of psychopathology are all impacted by the many different factors that can play a role in its development. The most obvious factor is the neural sciences which examine how brain chemistry, structure and functioning can all contribute to mental health disorders. For example, research has found links between certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin or dopamine levels being out of balance and depression or anxiety disorders respectively. Genetics also plays an important role in this equation with studies showing how various genetic markers may be associated with different types of mental illness.

Sample Solution

The expression, classification, diagnosis and prevalence of psychopathology are all impacted by the many different factors that can play a role in its development. The most obvious factor is the neural sciences which examine how brain chemistry, structure and functioning can all contribute to mental health disorders. For example, research has found links between certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin or dopamine levels being out of balance and depression or anxiety disorders respectively. Genetics also plays an important role in this equation with studies showing how various genetic markers may be associated with different types of mental illness.

Psychology is another major contributor to our understanding of psychopathology through exploring relevant aspects about behavior, personality and thought processes that could be underlying risk factors for developing certain psychological issues. This includes anything from examining learning styles and past experiences to studying social-cultural influences on beliefs/attitudes which can influence one’s ability cope with stressful life events.

Ultimately it is important for nurse practitioners take a multidimensional approach when evaluating patients who may have mental health concerns since there could be multiple contributing causes which need address simultaneously order maximize chances positive outcomes over time; this means considering not only physical components like genetics/neurochemistry but also taking into account potentially influential psychological/social-cultural variables as well depending situation.

By doing so clinicians will able identify more effective strategies interventions since they will better understand specific context related patient symptoms meaning treatments are tailored appropriately each individual case opposed relying solely generic medications/therapies might work some people but not others due differences intrinsic makeups resources available them environmental settings involved – ultimately leading higher rates accurate diagnoses improved outcomes overall better quality care provided those suffering from various forms psychiatric conditions today.

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