THEBIOPHYSIOLOGIC

ALPERSPECTIVE

BSN 4A (Group 3)

What is Biophysiological perspective?

*The biophysiological perspective proposes that psychopathology results from some physiologic condition, primarily a deviation within the

central nervous system.

Does stress cause psychiatric illness?

* Stress appears to play a role in thepathophysiology of most psychiatricillnesses.

* One of the most compellingpathophysiologic models forpsychiatric illnesses is the so-calledStress-diathesis model.

THE STRESS DIATHESIS MODEL

“Nature and Nurture”

* The stress-diathesis model isa psychological theory thatexplains behavior as both a resultof biological and genetic factors ("nature"),and life experiences ("nurture").

What is Diathesis?

The word diathesis means, in simplified

terms, a physical condition that make a

person more than usually susceptible to

certain diseases..

* Diathesis or Vulnerability is influenced bygenetic factors or environmental factors, orboth.

a. Genetic factors mean genetic influences.b. Environmental factors may be > Biological (infection, substance abuse, trauma) > Psychological (stressful life situation) > Social (Relationship problems within the society)

In this model, a biological or genetic vulnerability or predisposition (diathesis) interacts with the environment and life events (stressors) to trigger behaviors or psychological disorders. The greater the underlying vulnerability, the less stress is needed to trigger the behavior/disorder.

Conversely, where there is a smaller genetic contribution, greater life stress is required to produce the particular result. Even so, someone with a diathesis towards a disorder does not necessarily mean they will ever develop the disorder. Both the diathesis and the stress are required for this to happen.

Thus the Stress-Diathesis Model says that each person inherits certain physical vulnerabilities to problems that may or may not appear depending on what stresses occur in his or her life. Durand and Barlow define this model as a theory "that both an inherited tendency and specific stressful conditions are required to produce a disorder."

The bottom line, according to today's thinking, is that if for example you are manic depressive, you were born with the possibility of developing this disorder, and something in your life set it off.

Diathesis: Vulnerability to psychiatric disorders1.Genetic inheritance2.Early Learning Experience3.Biological processes(eg. Brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter problems)

Environmental Stressors1.Noxious physical stressors2.Relationship problems3.Trauma, abuse, neglect

Psychiatric Disorders

THE STRESS DIATHESIS MODEL