Nature and Nurture in Mental Disorders: A Gene-Environment Model

The author of "Nature and Nurture in Mental Disorders" argues that an overreliance on biology at the expense of environment has been detrimental to the field and proposes a biopsychosocial model that acknowledges the role of an individual's predisposing genetic factors, interacting with environmental stressors, in the etiology of many mental disorders.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 204 pages
\n Publication date: 05 December 2020
\n Publisher: American Psychiatric Association Publishing
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Over the past two decades, driven by the remarkable progress in decoding the human genome, neuroscience has emerged as the dominant framework in clinical psychiatry, while the focus on environmental risk factors for mental disorders has gradually diminished. In this extensively revised and updated second edition of Nature and Nurture in Mental Disorders, the author presents a compelling argument that an excessive emphasis on biology at the expense of the environment has hindered the progress of the field. He challenges the notion of a rigid nature versus nurture dichotomy and proposes a biopsychosocial model that recognizes the intricate interplay between an individual's predisposing genetic factors, their interactions with environmental stressors, and their contribution to the development of various mental disorders.

The first several chapters of the book provide a comprehensive overview of the theories and empirical evidence related to genes, the environment, and their interaction. These chapters examine the insights gained from research on gene expression, epigenetics, and environmental influences on mental health. Subsequent chapters apply the integrated biopsychosocial model to a diverse range of mental disorders, including depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), neurodevelopmental disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. By adopting an interactive approach, Nature and Nurture in Mental Disorders offers practical guidance to practicing clinicians seeking to develop more flexible and effective treatment models.

In areas where controversy or debate persists, the book provides an extensive reference list that has been updated to reflect the most recent literature. This resource encourages further study and exploration, enabling clinicians to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.

In conclusion, Nature and Nurture in Mental Disorders serves as a valuable resource for mental health professionals, providing a comprehensive and evidence-based exploration of the complex interplay between genes, the environment, and mental disorders. By rejecting reductionist approaches and embracing an interactive model, this book empowers clinicians to deliver personalized and effective treatment strategies that address the diverse needs of their patients.

\n Weight: 330g\n
Dimension: 153 x 233 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781615373345\n
Edition number: 2 Revised edition\n