Nature and Nurture in Psychiatry - 9780880487818

The age-old debate of nature versus nurture is nothing new to psychiatry. Most in the field recognize the importance both have in contributing to the development of psychiatric disorders. However, very few clinicians use an interactive approach to uncover the complex causes of mental disorders.

Presenting cutting-edge research on the biological and psychosocial factors contributing to mental illness, Nature and Nurture in Psychiatry demonstrates how the predisposition-stress model goes a long way towards addressing the complex origins of psychopathology.

Evidence from twin, adoption, and family history studies; biological markers; and genetic mapping shows how individual variations in susceptibility are measured. This book reviews the mechanisms by which genes shape predispositions to medical and psychiatric illness as well as the mechanisms by which environmental stressors precipitate mental disorders.

Specifically, this resource illustrates the application of the predisposition- stress model to major psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit and conduct disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders. It also discusses how the model can be used as a guide in treating and preventing these disorders.

Dr. Paris examined hundreds of research reports and drew from his own 25 years of clinical experience to create an invaluable reference for the practicing clinician. It is complete with an extensive reference list of over 600 publications to aid you in further research.