nature and nurture of psychopathology Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the role of nature and nurture in psychopathologies?
Both genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors influence the development and course of psychopathologies.
What factors influence heterogeneity and co-occurrence of psychopathologies?
Shared genetic factors, environmental differences, and overlapping symptoms contribute to variability and comorbidity.
How many genetic variants are responsible for psychopathologies?
Psychopathologies are polygenic, meaning many genetic variants contribute to risk.
What are the two main approaches to studying psychopathology?
- Clinical diagnostic approach (DSM-IV, ICD-10) – categorical
- Empirical quantitative approach – continuous scale, with disorders at the extreme end of a spectrum.
What are internalising psychopathologies?
Depression and anxiety.
What are externalising psychopathologies?
Conduct problems and ADHD (attention issues, impulsivity).
How common are psychopathologies in youth?
Affect 10–25% of children and adolescents.
When do most psychopathologies begin?
75% onset before age 25.
Are psychopathologies chronic?
Yes—22–46%, up to 60% in young people.
Why is it important to study genetic and environmental influences?
To understand disorder origins and overlap
To predict risk using genetic variants
To develop targeted treatments
To identify environmental protectors
What is the purpose of twin studies in psychopathology research?
To estimate genetic vs. environmental contributions to traits.
How do MZ and DZ twins differ in resemblance?
MZ twins: 100% genetic similarity
DZ twins: 50% genetic similarity
What are the components of phenotypic variation (P)?
A (h²): Heritability (genetic)
C (c²): Shared environment
E (e²): Non-shared environment
P = h² + c² + e²
What does the ACE model estimate?
The proportion of variance due to genetic (A), shared (C), and non-shared (E) environmental influences.
What assumption underlies the ACE model?
Equal environments assumption—MZ and DZ twins experience similar environments.
What are Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits?
Traits including lack of empathy, guilt, and shallow affect—used to subtype conduct disorder in DSM-5.
How are antisocial behaviours subtyped?
AB/CU+ (with CU traits)
AB/CU− (without CU traits)
Do CU traits affect the role of nature vs. nurture in antisocial behaviour?
Yes—CU+ and CU− subtypes may differ in genetic and environmental influences.
What is comorbidity?
The co-occurrence of two or more disorders, either simultaneously or sequentially.
What are common examples of comorbidities?
Depression with anxiety
ADHD with conduct or language disorders
Reading with math disabilities
What does comorbidity suggest?
Shared genetic or environmental risk factors between disorders.
How much of human DNA is variable?
About 1% of DNA differs among individuals.
What is a polygenic trait?
A trait influenced by many genes, each adding small risk (e.g., psychopathology, skin colour).
How are polygenic traits distributed?
In a continuous, bell-shaped distribution.
