This psychopathology blog is under construction. More soon!
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: An Interview with Dr. Ben Johnson
In a recent interview, Dr. Ben Johnson shared his insights on the current state of healthcare and the future of the industry. Dr. Johnson is a highly respected medical professional with years of experience in the field, and his perspective offers valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Dr. Johnson began by discussing the role of technology in healthcare. He emphasized the importance of utilizing technology to provide better and more efficient care, but also warned of the potential risks associated with relying too heavily on technology. He believes that the healthcare industry must strike a balance between utilizing technology to improve patient outcomes and maintaining a human touch in the delivery of care.
The interview also touched on the subject of healthcare access and affordability. Dr. Johnson acknowledged that these are major challenges facing the industry, but expressed optimism about the potential for innovative solutions to emerge. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.
In conclusion, Dr. Johnson's insights provide a valuable perspective on the current state and future of the healthcare industry. He highlights the importance of balancing technology with a human touch, and emphasizes the need for collaboration and innovative solutions to address major challenges such as access and affordability.
Discussion Questions:
What is your opinion on the role of technology in healthcare?
How can we ensure that healthcare is accessible and affordable for everyone?
What is your perspective on the importance of a human touch in the delivery of healthcare?
Acts of Kindness Proven to Improve Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety, Helping People Feel More Connected to Others
A recent study by Ohio State University has found that performing acts of kindness can have a positive impact on individuals experiencing depression and anxiety. The study, which was led by David Cregg as part of his PhD dissertation in psychology at Ohio State University and published in The Journal of Positive Psychology, found that this technique of "performing acts of kindness" was the only intervention tested that helped people feel more connected to others, which is essential for well-being.
The study involved 122 people in central Ohio with moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. After an introductory session, the participants were split into three groups. Two groups were assigned to techniques often used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression: planning social activities or cognitive reappraisal. The third group was instructed to perform three acts of kindness a day for two days out of the week.
The social activities group was instructed to plan social activities for two days a week. The cognitive reappraisal group kept records for at least two days each week that helped them identify negative thought patterns and revise their thoughts in a way that could reduce depression and anxiety. The acts of kindness group performed actions that benefited others and made them happy, such as baking cookies for friends, offering to give a friend a ride, and leaving sticky notes for roommates with words of encouragement.
Participants followed their instructions for five weeks, after which they were evaluated again. The researchers then checked with the participants after another five weeks to see if the interventions were still effective. The findings showed that participants in all three groups showed an increase in life satisfaction and a reduction of depression and anxiety symptoms after the 10 weeks of the study.
However, the acts of kindness group showed an advantage over both social activities and cognitive reappraisal by making people feel more connected to other people. This suggests that there is something specific about performing acts of kindness that makes people feel connected to others, and it's not just enough to be around other people or participating in social activities. It's important to note that just participating in social activities did not improve feelings of social connection in this study.
This finding is particularly important as it suggests that the intuition many people have about people with depression may be wrong. "We often think that people with depression have enough to deal with, so we don't want to burden them by asking them to help others. But these results run counter to that," said co-author Jennifer Cheavens, Professor of Psychology at Ohio State. "Doing nice things for people and focusing on the needs of others may actually help people with depression and anxiety feel better about themselves."
The study also revealed why performing acts of kindness worked so well: It helped people take their minds off their own depression and anxiety symptoms. It's important to note that while this study used techniques of CBT, it is not the same experience as going through CBT. Those who undergo the full treatment may have better results. However, the study's results are encouraging and suggest that performing acts of kindness could be an effective addition to traditional treatments for depression and anxiety.
In conclusion, the study provides strong evidence that performing acts of kindness can have a positive impact on individuals suffering from depression and anxiety. It shows that it helps people feel more connected to others and it helps to take their minds off their own symptoms. It also provides an alternative, non-intrusive way to deal with depression and anxiety, and has the potential to be an effective addition to traditional treatments. It is an easy, accessible, and low-cost way for people to improve their own mental health and well-being, while also helping others.
Discussion Questions
How can we incorporate acts of kindness into our daily lives to help improve our mental well-being?
How does performing acts of kindness help individuals suffering from depression and anxiety to feel more connected to others?
In what ways does performing acts of kindness differ from participating in social activities and cognitive reappraisal in terms of its effect on mental health?
How can healthcare professionals use the findings of this study to enhance their treatment approach for patients suffering from depression and anxiety?
David R. Cregg & Jennifer S. Cheavens (2022) Healing through helping: an experimental investigation of kindness, social activities, and reappraisal as well-being interventions, The Journal of Positive Psychology, DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2022.2154695
For more about psychological disorders take a look at Carter, K. (2022). Psychopathology: Understanding Psychological Disorders. Cambridge University Press.
Proactive Coping: A Key Skill for Younger Adults to Manage Stress
Stress is a normal part of life and can come from a variety of sources such as work, relationships, or personal challenges. While stress is unavoidable, the way in which we manage it can have a significant impact on our physical and mental well-being. A recent study conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University has found that younger adults, in particular, can benefit significantly from proactive coping skills to manage stress.
Proactive coping is an umbrella term for behaviors that allow people to avoid future stressors or prepare themselves to respond to those stressors. These can be behavioral, such as saving money to deal with unexpected expenses, or cognitive, such as visualizing how to deal with potential challenges. The goal of proactive coping is to help people continue to work towards their goals, even when dealing with challenges.
The study involved two experiments. The first study focused on skills that allowed people to concentrate on their goals when dealing with stressors. The researchers enlisted 223 people: 107 younger adults (ages 18-36) and 116 older adults (ages 60-90). Study participants completed an initial survey that focused on understanding goal-oriented proactive coping behaviors that the participants engaged in. The participants then completed daily surveys for the next eight days, recording the stressors they experienced each day, as well as their physical health symptoms. The researchers found that younger adults who consistently engaged in proactive coping, such as thinking about what they need in order to be successful, experienced fewer negative physical health symptoms on stressful days. However, there was no positive or negative effect of proactive coping for older adults.
The second study focused on efforts aimed at avoiding or preventing stressors. For this study, the researchers enlisted 140 people between the ages of 19 and 86. Study participants completed a baseline survey designed to capture their stress-prevention proactive coping behaviors. After that, the study participants completed daily surveys for 29 consecutive days, reporting on their daily stressors and physical health. The researchers found that adults between the ages of 19 and 36 who engaged in proactive coping reported little or no drop-off in physical health on stressful days, compared to adults in the same age range who engage in less proactive coping. However, as with the first study, proactive coping had no effect for older adults.
The findings of this study suggest that younger adults, in particular, can benefit significantly from proactive coping skills. These results are important for helping us work with people to build resilience, since proactive coping refers to skills that can be taught. As the study's lead author, Shevaun Neupert, stated, "The fact that we have two studies with the same results highlights the importance of proactive coping for younger adults when it comes to handling stress."
In conclusion, stress is a normal part of life and while it can't be avoided, the way we manage it can have a significant impact on our physical and mental well-being. The study conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University suggests that younger adults can benefit significantly from proactive coping skills to manage stress, and that such skills can be taught. It highlights the importance of starting to teach such skills to young people, starting with college-age young adults, but extending through to people who are established in adulthood.
Neupert, S. D., Smith, E. L., & Schriefer, M. L. (2022). A Coordinated Analysis of Physical Reactivity to Daily Stressors: Age and Proactive Coping Matter. Forecasting, 4(4), 1004–1018. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/forecast4040054
Discussion Questions:
What are some examples of proactive coping strategies that you can use to manage stress?
How does stress affect physical health?
Why do you think proactive coping had no effect on older adults in this study?
For more about psychological disorders take a look at Carter, K. (2022). Psychopathology: Understanding Psychological Disorders. Cambridge University Press.
Welcome to Understanding Psychopathology
Welcome to understanding psychopathology! If you're reading this, you're likely interested in learning about the various mental health disorders and how to identify and treat these conditions.
As we begin this journey together, it's important to keep in mind that every individual is unique, and their experiences with mental illness may be different from what we discuss here. It's also important to remember that psychological conditions are the result of a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and social factors.
We’ll cover a wide range of topics, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders. We'll discuss the signs and symptoms of these conditions, as well as the various treatment approaches that can be used to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
One thing that may surprise you is just how common mental illness is. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental illness in any given year. This means that it's likely that you or someone you know has struggled with a mental health condition at some point in their lives.
As we delve into the material, it's important to keep an open mind and remember that there is still much we don't know about the underlying causes of psychopathology. But by learning about these conditions, we can work towards destigmatizing mental illness and supporting those who are affected by it.
Let's get started!
For more about psychological disorders, take a look at Carter, K. (2022). Psychopathology: Understanding Psychological Disorders. Cambridge University Press.
Healing and Empowerment in the Face of Racial Trauma: An Interview with Dr. Handford
In this video, we welcome Dr. Handford to discuss her work in the field of psychology and her focus on the study of racial trauma. Dr. Handford shares her background and how her experiences as a Black woman led her to research and study the psychological effects of racism. She defines racial trauma as the psychological experience of encountering and enduring racism or racist acts and explains the importance of providing language and understanding for individuals navigating this experience. Dr. Hanford also delves into how racial trauma can manifest itself in psychological disorders and how it differs from person to person and context to context. This interview provides valuable insight and understanding on the impact of racism on the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Discussion Questions:
What did you learn about racial trauma from Dr. Handford's explanation?
How does Dr. Handford's definition of racial trauma differ from your previous understanding of the term?
What do you think is the importance of providing language and understanding for individuals navigating racial trauma?
Can you think of examples of how racial trauma may manifest itself in psychological disorders?
How can individuals and communities work towards healing and empowerment in the face of racial trauma?
Unlocking the Secrets of the Brain: New Study Reveals Progress, but Challenges Remain in Using Neuroimaging to Diagn PTSD
A recent study led by Yale researchers has shown that while neuroimaging technology holds great promise in linking specific symptoms of mental health disorders to abnormal patterns of brain activity, there are still significant obstacles to overcome before doctors can accurately diagnose conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using brain scans. The National Institutes of Mental Health has invested billions of dollars in recent years to find biomarkers of brain activity that point to the biological roots of mental health diseases, however, the Yale study suggests that more research is needed to develop reliable models that can be generalized across different studies and populations. Despite these challenges, the researchers are optimistic that with further study, neuroimaging technology will one day be a powerful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and other mental health disorders.
Discussion Questions:
Take a look at the study and answer the following discussion questions
Ben-Zion, Z., Spiller, T. R., Keynan, J. N., Admon, R., Levy, I., Liberzon, I., ... & Harpaz-Rotem, I. (2023). Evaluating the Evidence for Brain-Based Biotypes of Psychiatric Vulnerability in the Acute Aftermath of Trauma. American Journal of Psychiatry, appi-ajp.
What is the goal of using neuroimaging technology in the diagnosis of mental health disorders?
How does the study led by Yale researchers suggest that there are still kinks to be ironed out in using brain imaging for PTSD diagnosis?
What is the current state of using biomarkers to refine psychiatric diagnoses?
How are the Yale researchers working to further develop reliable models for using brain imaging in PTSD diagnosis?
For more about psychological disorders take a look at Carter, K. (2022). Psychopathology: Understanding Psychological Disorders. Cambridge University Press.
Exploring the Long-term Impact of SSRIs on Reinforcement Learning: Insights from the Escitalopram Study
Examining the long-term effects of SSRIs on reinforcement learning and emotional response
A recent study conducted by a team of researchers at the esteemed University of Cambridge has uncovered adverse ramifications of the widely utilized antidepressant medication, escitalopram, on the cognitive function of reinforcement learning. This process, which constitutes a vital aspect of how we absorb and incorporate feedback from our surroundings and actions, was found to be negatively impacted by the administration of the SSRI drug. The study, which was published in the highly respected journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, entailed the administration of escitalopram to a cohort of healthy volunteers over a prolonged period, with the goal of assessing the drug's effects on their performance in a comprehensive battery of cognitive evaluations.
The results of the study were staggering and indicated that the participants who were administered escitalopram exhibited a reduced ability to utilize positive and negative feedback to guide their learning, in comparison to those in the control group who were administered a placebo. Furthermore, the study also revealed that the participants who were administered escitalopram had a diminished sensitivity to rewards, which resulted in an impaired ability to respond accordingly.
This study holds a great deal of significance due to the fact that it sheds new light on the long-term effects of SSRIs, which has been an area of relative ignorance in the past, with most studies only examining the short-term effects of these drugs. It is crucial to note, however, that the sample size of this study was limited to a small group of healthy volunteers, and further research is required to fully comprehend the long-term effects on patients with depression. Despite this, the findings of this study have far-reaching implications for the utilization of SSRIs in clinical practice, and it is of utmost importance for both patients and healthcare professionals to be cognizant of these potential effects.
How does the study's findings on the impact of escitalopram on reinforcement learning add to our understanding of the long-term effects of SSRIs on patients with depression?
How might healthcare professionals and patients use this information when making decisions about the use of escitalopram and other SSRIs for the treatment of depression?
What further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings for the prescribing and use of SSRIs for depression in clinical practice?
Christelle Langley, Sophia Armand, Qiang Luo, George Savulich, Tina Segerberg, Anna Søndergaard, Elisabeth B. Pedersen, Nanna Svart, Oliver Overgaard-Hansen, Annette Johansen, Camilla Borgsted, Rudolf N. Cardinal, Trevor W. Robbins, Dea S. Stenbæk, Gitte M. Knudsen, Barbara J. Sahakian. Chronic escitalopram in healthy volunteers has specific effects on reinforcement sensitivity: a double-blind, placebo-controlled semi-randomised study. Neuropsychopharmacology, 2023; DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01523-x
For more about psychological disorders take a look at Carter, K. (2022). Psychopathology: Understanding Psychological Disorders. Cambridge University Press.
Dual systems hypothesis
It happens to the best of us. You wake up in the morning to the sound of your alarm, and convince yourself to rest for just five more minutes. Before you know it you wake up in a rush, realizing you are 20 minutes late. It seems so shocking because we normally feel that we have so much control over our choices. However, that control comes from deciding to either think intentionally or automatically about our decisions.
You can observe this if you try it yourself. The next time you have to make a decision or judgement, take a moment to think carefully and explain your reasoning explicitly. You may find that you are suddenly far more clear-headed, unlike your impulsive and sleepy self.
The psychological concept that explains this difference is the idea of automatic versus deliberate thinking, called the “dual systems hypothesis”. This is the idea that when we think we either use a deliberate and careful system, or a quick and impulsive system.
This idea is intrinsically tied to one of the most effective techniques therapists rely on: the powerful treatment for depression, anxiety, insomnia, called “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.” One of the fundamental aspects of “CBT” is to examine automatic thoughts carefully, therefore leading your thinking towards more deliberate examination. This approach helps individuals rise out of spiraling and unwanted thoughts, lifts mood generally and makes one more effective at problem solving.
So the next time you notice you are unsatisfied with your situation, your habits get out of control, or you have a big decision to make—take a moment to breathe—and decide to think effortfully and with intention. It just might save you from hitting that oh-so-tempting snooze button.
—Tyler Swedan
Discussion Questions
How does the idea of "automatic versus deliberate thinking" explain the common experience of hitting the snooze button in the morning?
How can "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" be used to examine and redirect automatic thoughts?
In what ways can thinking intentionally and deliberately improve decision making and problem solving?
How can taking a moment to breathe and think with intention help individuals overcome negative thoughts and habits?
Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Study Reveals the Importance of Social Support in Buffering Genetic Risk of Depression
The power of social support in protecting against depression
Reaching out to support a person when they're under stress is always a good idea. But a new study suggests that support could be especially important for someone whose genetic makeup makes them more likely to develop depression.
The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry by a University of Michigan team, shows the importance of social support in buffering the risk of developing depression symptoms in general, using data from two very different groups of people under stress: new doctors in the most intense year of training, and older adults whose spouses recently died. But the largest effect was seen in those who had the most genetic variation that raised the risk of depression.
The paper uses a measure of genetic risk called a polygenic risk score, which is based on decades of research about what tiny variations in specific genes are linked to depression risk.
Compared to individuals in the study who had low depression polygenic risk scores, the doctors and widows with higher risk scores had higher rates of depression after they lost social support, but also had lower rates of depression when they gained social support during stressful times.
The new study used data from two long-term studies that both capture genetic, mood, environment and other data from populations of participating individuals. One is the Intern Health Study, which enrolls first-year medical residents (also called interns) around the United States and beyond, and which Sen directs. The other is the Health and Retirement Study, based at the U-M Institute for Social Research and funded by the National Institute on Aging.
The data for the new paper came from 1,011 interns training at hospitals across the country, nearly half of whom were female, and from 435 recently widowed individuals, 71% of them women, who had data available from surveys conducted before and after their spouses died.
In the interns, as Sen and his team have shown in previous work, depressive symptoms increased dramatically (126%) during the stressful year of training that includes long and irregular work hours -- often in environments far from friends and family. In the widows and widowers, depressive symptoms increased 34% over their pre-widowhood scores. This correlates with past research showing loss of a spouse can be one of the biggest stressors in a person's life.
The study suggests that more could be done to target social support to those who can most benefit. Even as genetic research reveals more of the DNA variation related to depression vulnerability, learning how that variation leads to depression is crucial.
Reference
Jennifer L. Cleary, Yu Fang, Laura B. Zahodne, Amy S.B. Bohnert, Margit Burmeister, Srijan Sen. Polygenic Risk and Social Support in Predicting Depression Under Stress. American Journal of Psychiatry, 2023; DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.21111100
Discussion Questions
How does the study's use of polygenic risk scores help to understand the relationship between genetics and depression risk?
How do the findings of the study regarding the impact of social support on depression symptoms differ between the groups of new doctors and widows/widowers?
In what ways can the study's findings be applied to help target social support to those who may benefit the most?
How do the study's findings contribute to our understanding of the role of genetics and environment in depression risk and prevention?
Preparing for Your First Day of Abnormal Psychology (Psychopathology)
Learning about psychopathology can be complex and confusing but here are a few tips to get you started on your first day.
Starting an undergraduate course on psychopathology (abnormal psychology) can be an exciting and intimidating experience. This field of study delves into the complex and often misunderstood world of mental health and illness, and it can be challenging to know what to expect on your first day. To help you prepare for your class, here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your journey into the study of psychopathology.
First, it's important to understand that this field is constantly evolving. Research in the field of psychopathology is ongoing, and new findings are continually being added to our understanding of mental health and illness. This means that while you will be learning about established theories and treatments, you should also expect to encounter new and emerging perspectives as well.
Second, it's also important to understand that not everyone's experience of a mental health condition is the same. People's experiences with mental health can vary widely and can be impacted by a variety of factors such as genetics, environment, and cultural background. It's important to approach this class with an open mind and be willing to consider multiple perspectives.
Third, It's important to understand that mental health problems are not the result of personal weakness, it's not something that you can "fix" by willpower. Just as with any other medical condition, mental health problems can be treated effectively with the help of mental health professionals and specialists.
In your class, you will learn about different types of mental conditions, their symptoms, and possible causes, as well as the different approaches to treatment, and the challenges and ethical considerations that arise in the field. It's a lot of information to take in, but by approaching the material with an open mind and a willingness to learn, you will be well on your way to understanding the complexities of psychopathology.
It's also important to note that it's okay not to have all the answers, or to not understand everything at first, everyone's learning process is different and you may need more time or different approaches to grasp certain concepts.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions. Your instructor and classmates are a valuable resource, and the more you engage in class discussions and ask for clarification, the more you will learn.
Overall, starting an undergraduate course in psychopathology can be an enriching and challenging experience. Remember to approach the material with an open mind, be willing to consider multiple perspectives, and don't be afraid to ask questions. With these tips in mind, you will be well-equipped to succeed in your class and in your future studies in the field of mental health.
For more about psychological disorders take a look at Carter, K. (2022). Psychopathology: Understanding Psychological Disorders. Cambridge University Press.
Psychopathology Blog Coming Soon
Watch this space for a new blog featuring book reviews, case studies, podcasts, and interviews about psychopathology, the science of psychological disorders. It can be used with any undergraduate psychopathology course but is designed to be used with Psychopathology: Understanding Psychological Disorders. More soon!