Biological Perspective in Abnormal Psychology

The biological perspective in abnormal psychology is a framework that focuses on the role of biological and
physiological factors in causing abnormal behavior, viewing it as a disease or mental illness. This perspective
diagnoses these conditions through observable symptoms and emphasizes medical interventions for
treatment, such as hospitalization and medications.

Historical Context

This perspective has deep historical roots in psychology, with Charles Darwin playing a significant role in
introducing the idea that evolution and genetics influence human behavior.

Assumptions and Topics

Biopsychologists, who adhere to the biological perspective, investigate how biological forces shape human
behaviors. They explore a wide range of topics, including the impact of brain trauma on behavior, the interplay
of genetics and the environment in determining characteristics, how genetic factors influence behaviors like
aggression, the effects of degenerative brain diseases on behavior, and the connections between genetics,
brain damage, and mental disorders.

Cause of Abnormality

According to the biological perspective, disturbances in emotions, behavior, and cognitive processes are seen
as being caused by abnormalities in the functioning of the body. These abnormalities may include genetic
inheritance, physical illnesses, infections, and chemical imbalances. Treatment often involves
pharmacological approaches, though medication is often used in conjunction with some form of
psychotherapy.

• Genetic Influence

Genetic influences in abnormal psychology are multifaceted, encompassing polygenetic inheritance and
gene-environment interactions. The diathesis-stress model provides a framework to understand how genetic
vulnerabilities, environmental stressors, and protective factors collectively contribute to the development of
psychological disorders. This perspective underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that considers
both genetic and environmental factors in the study of abnormal behavior.

The Diathesis-Stress Model

The diathesis-stress model suggests that individuals may inherit vulnerabilities for certain traits, behaviors, or
disorders, with these vulnerabilities being activated under specific environmental conditions, especially
stress. While genetic predispositions can create a predisposition to a disorder, environmental factors,
particularly stress, play a crucial role in whether the disorder actually appears. Additionally, protective factors,
like a nurturing and supportive upbringing, can influence how an individual responds to stress, reducing the
likelihood of developing a mental disorder. This complex interaction between genetic predisposition, stress,
and protective factors underscores the multifaceted nature of how genetic influences contribute to
psychological disorders.
• The Nervous System

The nervous system comprises the central and peripheral nervous systems, where the central nervous system
(CNS) acts as the control center, responsible for receiving, processing, interpreting, and storing sensory
information from the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system, on the other hand, handles input
and output from the CNS and can be divided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

Types of Peripheral Nervous System

The somatic nervous system allows for voluntary movement by controlling skeletal muscles and transmitting
sensory information to the CNS. In contrast, the autonomic nervous system regulates the functioning of blood
vessels, glands, and internal organs like the bladder, stomach, and heart. It consists of the sympathetic and
parasympathetic nervous systems, with the sympathetic system triggering the "fight-or-flight" response
during intense arousal, while the parasympathetic system calms the body afterward.

• Brain Chemistry

Neuron

The fundamental unit of the nervous system is the neuron, or nerve cell, which shares common structures
with other cells in the body. The nucleus serves as the control center, while the soma is the cell body. Neurons
transmit signals through the axon, while dendrites receive information from neighboring neurons, resembling
small trees. The myelin sheath, a white, fatty covering, insulates the neuron, increasing the speed of signal
transmission. Axon terminals mark the end of the axon, where electrical impulses become chemical messages,
released into the synaptic cleft – the space between neurons. This complex structure and signaling process
are essential for nervous system function and communication.

Neurotransmitters:

Neurotransmitters are vital chemical substances released by transmitting neurons across a synapse for
absorption by receiving neurons. Several neurotransmitters are fundamental to neural communication,
including acetylcholine, GABA, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and enkephalins.

Synaptic Transmission:

Synaptic transmission is the process by which neurotransmitters facilitate communication between neurons.
This exchange occurs at the synapse, comprising three key components: the axon terminals of the sending
neuron (presynaptic neuron), the synaptic cleft or gap, and the dendrite of the receiving neuron (postsynaptic
neuron). When an electrical impulse reaches the axon terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters
from synaptic vesicles, which then travel across the synaptic cleft to bind to specific receptor sites on the
postsynaptic neuron. This interaction can be likened to a lock-and-key system, ensuring precise neural
communication.

Degeneration of Excess Neurotransmitter:

Neurotransmitters that do not bind to receptor sites may undergo two main processes to regulate their levels.
The first process is reuptake, where the presynaptic neuron reabsorbs excess neurotransmitters from the
synaptic space. The second process is enzymatic degradation, in which enzymes break down and neutralize
any surplus neurotransmitters.
Hormonal Imbalances and the HPA Axis

Hormones are crucial in organizing the nervous system and body tissues, affecting behaviors such as alertness,
sleepiness, sexual behavior, concentration, and reaction to stress. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal-
Cortical Axis (HPA Axis) is a key component in the hormonal system, involving the hypothalamus, pituitary
glands, and adrenal glands. Dysregulation of the HPA Axis has been implicated in various mental disorders,
like depression and anxiety. In other words, it activates too easily and doesn't shut down appropriately when
the stressor is gone.

Viral Infections and Their Impact

Infections can lead to brain damage and contribute to the development of mental illnesses. For instance, strep
infections have been linked to the development of conditions like OCD, Tourette's syndrome, and tic disorders
in children. Influenza epidemics have also been associated with schizophrenia, although recent research
suggests the evidence is not conclusive.

Treatment Approaches

Psychosurgery:

Historically, treatments like trephining and lobotomies were employed, but these practices have been
abandoned due to ethical and scientific concerns. Modern psychosurgery techniques are more advanced and
are used in rare cases as a last resort when other treatments have failed, primarily for severe mental illnesses
such as schizophrenia, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):

ECT involves applying a controlled electric stimulus to induce a generalized seizure. Patients undergoing ECT
receive a muscle relaxant to prevent injury during the seizures. This therapy is administered for conditions
like severe depression, acute mania, and suicidality. ECT remains controversial among mental health
professionals, balancing its effectiveness against side effects.

Psychopharmacology and Psychotropic Drugs (Medication):

Psychotropic medications are categorized into five main groups, each designed to address specific mental
health conditions:

• Antidepressants: Used to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, or pain. Selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs) are common and may take a few weeks to show effects, with potential side effects
including weight gain, sleepiness, nausea, and thoughts of suicide.
• Anti-Anxiety Medications: These helps alleviate anxiety symptoms and often include benzodiazepines.
While effective for short-term use, they can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms if used long-
term, causing drowsiness, dizziness, and more.
• Stimulants: Prescribed for conditions like ADHD, stimulants enhance alertness and focus. They can curb
appetite, induce headaches, tics, and personality changes.
• Antipsychotics: Used to treat psychosis, eating disorders, depression, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and anxiety
disorders. Side effects include nausea, weight gain, restlessness, and tremors.
• Mood Stabilizers: Employed to manage bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and impulse control
issues. These medications may cause side effects like hallucinations and loss of coordination but have
proven beneficial for patients, leading to symptom reduction and improved functioning.

Biofeedback:

Biofeedback is a technique that allows individuals to gain control over certain physiological functions, such as
heart rate, through electrical sensors that provide real-time data. This feedback helps individuals make subtle
bodily adjustments to achieve desired results, like reducing pain. Biofeedback is utilized to improve health
conditions and physical performance by enabling individuals to practice new ways of controlling their bodily
functions.

Evaluation of Biological Model

The strengths of the biological perspective lie in its scientific rigor, relying on empirical methods that produce
reliable and practical results. It has contributed to the development of effective treatments for many
psychological disorders. However, its weakness is its tendency to oversimplify behavior by overlooking other
influential factors like emotions, social pressures, and cultural variables. It is essential to consider multiple
perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of psychological problems.