The Complex Interplay of Genetics, Environment, and Neural Plasticity in Brain Development and Psychiatric Disorders

The Complex Interplay of Genetics, Environment, and Neural Plasticity in Brain Development and Psychiatric Disorders

Neural plasticity:

Is the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to its environment. Neural plasticity is essential for :

• learning
•  memory 
• recovery from illness

The brain is constantly changing and adapting. Existing neural circuits can be modified or new neural circuits can be generated. These changes can be beneficial or detrimental to the individual, depending on the nature of the change and the individual's circumstances.

 While brain lesions can sometimes cause psychiatric symptoms, they are not the primary cause of most psychiatric disorders.

• Brain lesions are areas of damaged or diseased tissue in the brain. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, stroke, infection, and tumors.
• In some cases, brain lesions can cause psychiatric symptoms, such as mood swings, hallucinations, and delusions. However, brain lesions are not the primary cause of most psychiatric disorders.
• Psychiatric disorders are complex conditions that are influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and life experiences. Brain lesions may play a role in some psychiatric disorders, but they are not the only factor involved.

Research has revealed that genetic factors guide brain development, but genetic programs for brain development are not as rigid and deterministic as once believed (Hooley et al, 2019).

Prenatal experiences can influence the development of the brain and nervous system.

• Positive prenatal experiences, such as being exposed to a stimulating environment, can help to promote healthy brain development.
• Negative prenatal experiences, such as being exposed to stress or trauma, can have a harmful impact on brain development.
• The effects of prenatal experiences can vary depending on the individual and the specific experience.

Postnatal environmental events can also have a significant impact on brain development in infants and children.

Genetics:

 Genes influence the development of the brain and nervous system, and they also influence how the brain responds to environmental experiences.

Neural activity:

 Neural activity refers to the electrical and chemical signals that occur in the brain. Neural activity is influenced by genetics, environmental experiences, and behavior.

Behavior:

 Behavior refers to the things that we do. Behavior is influenced by genetics, neural activity, and the environment.

Environment:

 The environment includes everything that is around us, both physical and social. The environment can influence genetics, neural activity, behavior, and even gene expression.

References

 Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033

What does it mean when someone is genetically predisposed to something?

 Genetic Vulnerabilities

Genes are long molecules of DNA present on chromosomes within a cell nucleus. Genes carry the information we inherit from our parents and exist in alternate forms called alleles. Most mental disorders show some genetic influence, with some influences apparent in newborns and children, while others manifest in adolescence or adulthood. Each human cell has 23 pairs of chromosomes containing genetic materials that encode the hereditary plan for each individual. One copy of each chromosome comes from the mother and one from the father. Twenty-two chromosome pairs determine an individual’s general characteristics, while the remaining pair, the sex chromosomes, determines the individual’s sex (Hooley et al, 2019).

(Hooley et al, 2019)

Abnormalities in the structure or number of chromosomes can be associated with major defects or disorders. Anomalies may also occur in the sex chromosomes, producing complications that may predispose a person to develop abnormal behavior.

Polymorphisms are naturally occurring variations of genes. Polymorphisms often influence personality traits. The term polygenic means influenced by multiple genes or polymorphisms of genes. 

When we say someone is genetically vulnerable we are saying that they have inherited a large number of genes or polymorphisms of genes that can work together to make someone more susceptible to developing a mental disorder. 

 These genes may cause abnormal structures in the central nervous system, and abnormal regulation of brain chemistry, and hormone levels. This can also alter the reactivity of the autonomic nervous system.

Keep in mind that behavior is not determined by genetics alone. Our interaction with the environment along with genetics determines our behavior.

Stress which can be caused by environmental factors can actually activate or deactivate gene expression. 

Genotype

is a term used to describe the genetic makeup of an individual. It is the
complete set of genes that an individual inherits from their parents. 

Genetic endowment 

is another term for genotype. It refers to the genes that an individual has, regardless of whether or not they are expressed in their phenotype.

Phenotype

Is the structural and functional characteristics that result from the interaction of someone's genotype and the environment,

The interaction of genotype and environment is complex and can vary from one individual to another. However, it is important to understand that phenotype is not simply determined by genotype. The environment plays an important role in shaping our physical and functional characteristics.

References

 Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033

There is no single cause for mental disorders

What causes mental illness?

:

Biological perspective

Factors such as genetics, neurobiology, and hormonal responses can influence psychopathology.

Psychological perspective:

Dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can lead to psychopathology.

Sociocultural perspective

Social and cultural factors can influence how we think about abnormal behavior.

Many theorists recognize the need for a biopsychosocial viewpoint that acknowledges that biological, psychological, and social factors all interact and play a role in psychopathology and treatment (Hooley er al, 2019).

References

Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033