PSYCH257 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Kerry Jang, Eric Kandel, Psychopathology
20 Mar 2013
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Document Summary
Most disorders are influenced by multiple genes, not caused by a single gene. You"re not going to find one gene in one disorder - exception is down syndrome. Important to focus on the interaction between genetic and environmental influences. Brain and its functions are subject to change depending on the environment. Individuals inherit the tendencies to express certain traits or behaviors which may be activated under conditions of stress. Inherited tendency = diathesis or vulnerability which is a condition that makes a person susceptible to developing a disorder. When the right event comes (i. e. , a stressor) the disorder develops. Genes play an important role in determining stress to individuals. Possibly, genes contribute on how we create our own environment. Genes influence inherited personality traits such as impulsiveness that cause people to enter dangerous situations. Genetic influences are a lot less powerful than what is usually thought of.
