conditions and give us a better understanding of the manner in which normal social and emotional processes may become dysfunctional. For example, we know that there are a variety of basic networks in the brain, some of which are involved in internal processes such as mind wandering when there is no external stimulation, and others that become activated when interaction with the external world is required. A number of researchers have sought to articulate how these so-called default networks as well as other networks are associated with psychopathology. Other researchers have focused on emotional circuits that are either under- or overactivated in particular psychopathologies. One aspect of this emotional expression is the role it has played in our survival, mating, and social relationships from throughout our history. This brings us to the value of an evolutionary perspective.
Development of an Evolutionary Perspective
An evolutionary perspective examines the close interaction of organisms with their environment. In this close connection, the organism seeks ways to solve the fundamental problems or challenges of its existence. In many cases of mental illness, this close connection is no longer functioning in an optimal manner. The environment for humans includes not only nature but also culture. Throughout their evolutionary history, humans have always lived in groups with other people. The manner in which cultures understand and solve problems related to mental illness is one crucial question I will explore in this book. An evolutionary perspective also can give us insight into why some disorders such as schizophrenia are seen in similar proportions around the world, whereas other disorders vary by geographical location.
Implications for Treatment
An integration of research from the neurosciences with traditional psychological research helps clarify the efficacy and mechanisms of psychological treatments. For example, recent brain imaging research concerning treatment suggests that the type of treatment used determines the brain response. On the one hand, research concerning treatment of depression shows that psychotropic medications work from a bottom-up perspective by influencing the limbic areas that, in turn, influence higher cortical networks. On the other hand, cognitive therapies work in a top-down manner by influencing the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which, in turn, has an inhibitory effect on the lower brain processes. Even within traditional psychotherapy outcome research, there is a new sense of integration of traditionally dichotomous positions. This includes a search for specifying empirically supported procedures, such as the successful relationship between client and therapist, which determine treatment outcomes. In terms of prevention, there has been a recent increase in neuroscience research that shows the manner in which enriched environments as well as exercise can influence brain development and play an important role in the prevention of both pathophysiology and psychopathology.
New Perspectives in Abnormal Psychology
In the same way that psychology offers important insights in terms of human behavior and experience, abnormal psychology must also consider these perspectives. This not only includes the signs and symptoms seen in particular disorders, but the abilities of individuals with these disorders to live productive lives. From this perspective, you will read stories of people with even serious mental disorders who have made important contributions in their professional and personal lives.
Behavior and experience take place on a number of levels, and it is imperative that abnormal psychology texts begin to offer such an integrative perspective. For example, recent thinking in social neuroscience suggests that it is not productive to teach brain anatomy or emotionality in one chapter of a textbook and social relationships, influence, and perception in another. Within the community of abnormal psychology researchers, there is an increasing understanding of the manner in which various disorders reflect impairments in social processes and the brain functions associated with them. With such an integrated approach, students can come to understand the nature of impaired relationships on a variety of levels including cognitive, affective, and motor processes.
This Text
The purpose of this text is to bring together current perspectives in understanding mental disorders. In addition to the traditional psychological literature, additional information from the cognitive and affective neurosciences, ethology, evolution, and genetics will be discussed. The focus is on a unification and integration of these understandings within a broader consideration.
This Second Edition
Based on feedback from numerous faculty and researchers in the field, some major structural changes were undertaken in this second edition. Chapters 1 and 2 on the overview of psychopathology and changing conceptualizations of psychopathology throughout history were combined into a single chapter. This allows students to begin learning about specific disorders in a timelier manner. Also, the chapter on schizophrenia has been moved to later in the book. Learning objectives have been added to give students specific goals toward completion of each chapter and mastery of key concepts.
In addition to these structural changes, new feature boxes have been added throughout the book. One of these boxes is Understanding Changes in DSM–5. This feature describes the reasoning behind the changes that were made to specific disorders in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This feature has been added to all of the chapters that focus on disorders. In addition, when appropriate, a feature box on specific research or statistical terms has been added to certain chapters to help students understand the research presented. Glossary terms have also been updated and clarified.
This edition also includes additional LENS features, including new Cultural LENS boxes which highlight important societal and cultural issues relevant to abnormal psychology, along with “Thought Questions” that have been added to engage critical thinking. I describe specific chapter changes below.
Chapter 1: An Overview of Psychopathology and Changing Conceptualizations of Mental Illness
Chapter 1 is now a streamlined combination of Chapters 1 and 2 from the first edition of this book.
There is a new table on the key components of psychopathology.
New information has been added on the biopsychosocial approach.
The latest available data is included in the form of a figure on the prevalence of any mental illness among U.S. adults by gender, age, and race.
New information on CBT treatments, referred to as third wave CBT, has been added.
Chapter 2: Neuroscience Approaches to Understanding Psychopathology
Research methods have been updated with new research on endophenotypes.
Updated information was added on the number of neurons in the brain and their potential connections.
A new table describing pros and cons of different brain imaging techniques has been included.
A new Cultural LENS was added: Using Brain Imaging to Understand Culture.
Chapter
