THE

BIOPHYSIOLOGIC
AL
PERSPECTIVE
BSN 4A (Group 3)
 What is Biophysiological
perspective?

*The biophysiological
perspective proposes that
psychopathology results from
some physiologic condition,
primarily a deviation within the
central nervous system.
 Does stress cause
psychiatric illness?
* Stress appears to play a role
in the
pathophysiology of most
psychiatric
illnesses.
* One of the most compelling
pathophysiologic models for
 THE STRESS DIATHESIS
MODEL
“Nature and Nurture”
* The stress-diathesis model is
a psychological theory that
explains behavior as both a result
of biological and genetic factors
("nature"),
and life experiences ("nurture").
 What is Diathesis?

The word diathesis means, in simplified

terms, a physical condition that make a
person more than usually susceptible to
certain diseases..
* Diathesis or Vulnerability is
influenced by
genetic factors or environmental
factors, or
both.
a. Genetic factors mean genetic
influences.
b. Environmental factors may be
> Biological (infection, substance abuse,
trauma)
> Psychological (stressful life situation)
> Social (Relationship problems within the
In this model, a biological or
genetic vulnerability or
predisposition (diathesis)
interacts with the environment
and life events (stressors) to
trigger behaviors or
psychological disorders. The
greater the underlying
vulnerability, the less stress is
needed to trigger the
Conversely, where there is a
smaller genetic contribution,
greater life stress is required to
produce the particular result.
Even so, someone with a
diathesis towards a disorder
does not necessarily mean
they will ever develop the
disorder. Both the diathesis
and the stress are required for
Thus the Stress-Diathesis Model says
that each person inherits certain
physical vulnerabilities to problems that
may or may not appear depending on
what stresses occur in his or her life.
Durand and Barlow define this model as
a theory "that both an inherited
tendency and specific stressful
conditions are required to produce a
disorder."

The bottom line, according to today's

thinking, is that if for example you are
Diathesis: Vulnerability to psychiatric Environmental Stressors
disorders 2.Noxious physical stressors
2.Genetic inheritance 3.Relationship problems
3.Early Learning Experience 4.Trauma, abuse, neglect
4.Biological processes
(eg. Brain abnormalities,
neurotransmitter problems)

Psychiatric Disorders

THE STRESS DIATHESIS

MODEL