In many realms of medicine, objective diagnoses can be made: A clavicula is broken.  An infection is present. TSH levels meet the diagnostic criteria for hypothyroidism. Psychiatry, on the other hand, deals with psychological phenomena and behaviors. Can these, too, be “defined objectively and by scientific criteria (Gergen, 1985), or are they social constructions?” (Sadock et al., 2015). Thanks to myriad advances during recent decades, we know that psychopathology is caused by many interacting factors. Theoretical and clinical contributions to the field have come from the neural sciences, genetics, psychology, and social-cultural sciences. How do these factors impact the expression, classification, diagnosis, and prevalence of psychopathology, and why might it be important for a nurse practitioner to take a multidimensional, integrative approach? Explain the biological (genetic and neuroscientific); psychological (behavioral and cognitive processes, emotional, developmental); and social, cultural, and interpersonal factors that influence the development of psychopathology. The history of the diagnosis of mental disorders is fraught with examples of how cultural norms and prejudices interfere with and warp a diagnosis. The result is that normal behavior and orientations have been pathologized as an illness or disease. An example of this would be the story of Alan Turing, the famous British computer scientist of the 20th century, who was instrumental in inventing modern computers and deciphering German code in World War II. He was convicted in 1952 in England of gross indecency for being gay. Turing was forced by the courts to undergo 12 months of hormone therapy and could no longer work for the British government. At the time, homosexuality was pathologized as a mental disorder in the and was criminalized in most Western countries. It was not until 1973 that the American Psychiatric Association (APA) finally removed homosexuality from the . Historically, the process of rendering a diagnosis has been used to pathologize those who fell outside what was considered the cultural norm of human behavior. This process often marginalized diagnosed populations and prevented individuals from receiving appropriate care. It is of utmost importance to consider cultural issues that influence how you as a clinician interpret a client’s behavior and how cultural issues influence how a client may express behavior. This week, you explore the history of psychopathology and the evolution of theoretical perspectives in the field. Purchase the answer to view it

Psychiatry, as a branch of medicine, faces unique challenges when it comes to making objective diagnoses. While in many other medical fields, diagnoses can be made based on physical symptoms and laboratory tests, psychiatry deals with psychological phenomena and behaviors. This raises the question of whether psychiatric diagnoses can be “defined objectively and by scientific criteria” or if they are social constructions (Gergen, 1985; Sadock et al., 2015).

Advances in various fields have shown that psychopathology is influenced by a combination of factors. The field of psychiatry has drawn theoretical and clinical contributions from the neural sciences, genetics, psychology, and social-cultural sciences, among others. These factors impact the expression, classification, diagnosis, and prevalence of psychopathology.

Taking a multidimensional and integrative approach is important for a nurse practitioner in order to understand the complex nature of psychopathology. By considering multiple factors, a practitioner can gain a more comprehensive understanding of a patient’s condition and provide more effective care.

Let’s explore the biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors that influence the development of psychopathology in more detail.

Biological factors, including genetic and neuroscientific aspects, play a significant role in the development of psychopathology. Research has shown that certain genetic variations can increase the risk of developing mental disorders. For example, individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are more likely to develop the disorder themselves. Neuroscientific studies have also shown differences in brain structures and functions among individuals with psychiatric conditions compared to those without.

Psychological factors, such as behavioral and cognitive processes, emotional factors, and developmental influences, also contribute to the development of psychopathology. Maladaptive behaviors, dysfunctional thought patterns, and unresolved emotional issues can all contribute to the onset and maintenance of mental disorders. Additionally, developmental factors, such as adverse childhood experiences or trauma, can increase the risk of developing psychopathology later in life.

Social, cultural, and interpersonal factors also play a significant role in the development of psychopathology. Cultural norms and values shape our understanding of what is considered normal or abnormal behavior. Certain cultural contexts may pathologize behaviors that are considered normal in other cultures. For example, the pathologization of homosexuality as a mental disorder in the past is a clear example of how cultural norms and prejudices can shape diagnoses. Interpersonal relationships, family dynamics, and social support networks also influence the development and expression of psychopathology.

The history of the diagnosis of mental disorders is riddled with examples of how cultural norms and prejudices have interfered with and distorted diagnoses. This has led to the pathologization of normal behavior and orientations as illnesses and diseases. It is crucial for clinicians to consider cultural issues that may influence their interpretation of a client’s behavior and how clients from different cultural backgrounds may express their symptoms.

In conclusion, psychopathology is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors. Taking a multidimensional, integrative approach allows nurse practitioners to understand the complexity of mental disorders and provide more effective care. It is also important to be mindful of the historical pathologization of certain behaviors and orientations and consider cultural factors when interpreting a client’s behavior. By considering all these factors, nurse practitioners can provide holistic and culturally sensitive care to individuals with psychopathology.