Approaches to Treating Depression: An Analysis

Approaches to Treating feeling An AnalysisStacey ObispoNCUIntervention course of studyDepression is an issue that will affect 10 percent of the unexampled adults in the United States (Buss, 2012). Possible solutions towards hold dearing drop-off batch be tack through an evolutionary perspective. By looking through the lens of evolutionary psychology unmatched provide see how the ancient environments different from the ones we start today ready developed and molded the structure and functions of our discernments. Treating depression through accord environmental influences and natural pickax in establishment brain formation and manners can be an effective way towards incorporating an preventative project to prevent and counter the effects of depression.Theoretical ApproachThe theoretical base of operations for the depression interference program is based on an ethological approach. The role of biota in studying human sort brought on from Darwins supposition of n atural selection was enforced through ethology (Buss, 2012) The ethological approach for treating depression is one that should be considered because it does not just treat the symptom ( much(prenominal)(prenominal) as sadness) it attempts to treat the outset of the problem. Using an ethological approach to depression answers the four whys of mien. The four whys of behavior include 1) the immediate influences of behavior 2) the developmental influences of behavior ( smell3) the function of behavior or the adaptive purpose it fulfills, and 4) the evolutionary or phylo componenttic origins of behavior (Buss, 2012). The first two why questions examine the causes of behaviors pertain to the processing of native and external stimuli such as ones anatomy (Geerts Brune, 2009). The blurb two why questions argon referred as the evolutionary causes which address the evolutionary processes that molded the behavior (Geerts Brune, 2009). These questions be important pertaining to depress ion because with these answers a deeper understanding involving the biological action of behavior or selective advantages regarding a individuals survival and reproductive process can be mute as well as how the origins of the behavior may have set about and evolved.evolutionary PsychologyDarwins supposition of natural selection composes of three essential ingredients variation, inheritance, and selection. Organisms vary in different ways such as personality, cell structure, defensive ability and etc. The raw materials provided that are essential for evolution to operate is variation (Buss, 2012). Some variations are transmissible passed down from parents to offspring down through the ingredientrations(Buss,2012). As a result, more than offspring results due to the aid of heritable variants for the task of survival or reproduction(Buss 2012). An some other way variation applies is through phenotypes. Phenotypes are the physical and biochemical characteristics of an organism a s determined by the interaction of its genetic take a leak- up and the environment (Brune et al. ,2012). They are important to understanding how behaviors develop due to environmental factors. Phenotypic variation occurs when an intricate interaction of environment and genotype including epigenetic devices are decisively shaped by experiences of the individual lifespan (Brune et al., 2012). Implementation of an intervention program can be made by looking at how the origins of these traits apply to psychological development of maladaptive traits and the detection and the development and genius of its devices, explain the proximate causes, and evolutionary history and adaptive value (Brune et al, 2012). Treating depression through understanding environmental influences and natural selection in shaping brain formation and behaviors seen through the lens of genetics, environment and psychotherapy is the nates for the intervention program.Genetics and EnvironmentBelsky and Pluess (200 9) found that in humans parenting and gene environment interactions can affect ones susceptibility to depression. Individuals may be more likely to develop psychiatric conditions like depression because they carry variations of genes that make them vulnerable. What is even more striking in the research of Belsky and Pluess (2009) is the discovery of variations of genes can predispose an individual into developing depression due to admonitory environmental conditions such as pip-squeak abuse an these whollyeles can also nurse and allow enhanced coping from experiencing favorable environmental conditions. So the gene can produce two results predispose one to a psychiatric condition or enhance coping skills. These results show how genes and environment interplay with individually other to get either a favorable or unfavorable result. The results advocate how selection favors flexibility which contributes towards individuals being more exposed to environmental possibilities (Brune et al., 2012). This knowledge is valuable for making interventions to depression because the research has suggested that if one is in a favorable environment can foster positive results such as enhanced coping skills (Belsky Pluess, 2009). Conversely, environmental influences such as unworthy parenting practices and insecure adherence with parents can predispose one to a psychiatric condition (Belsky Pluess, 2009). With this found knowledge the depression intervention program can be implemented because the genetic and environmental causes have been identified.Intervention designThe depression intervention model will be administered with participants who volunteer for the program. bailable participants will include individuals who have been identified by California segment of Social Services who are currently encountering a depressive episode or who are living in unfavorable conditions which might provoke the fact of depression. Families that have been identified at being hig h risk for child abuse and neglect will also be invited to partake in the intervention program. Individuals who take part of the intervention will receive stand by through a clinical psychologist administering Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) which is drawn from Bowlbys attachment theory. The length of treatment will be 1hour sessions given in one case weekly over the course of six months.Relating to Evolutionary PsychologyEvolutionary concepts are important in understanding mental health issues such as depression. An example of how gene and environment interaction interplay with each other is seen in Bowlbys attachment theory. Psychological and psychiatric clinical practices have drawn upon Bowlbys attachment model which state that early loving interaction between mother and newborn plays an important role in the social development in life and that abnormal early attachment can predispose the child to psychopathology later in life (Geerts Brune, 2009).Following on the evolutiona ry concept of Bowlby is CFT. CFT is a form of therapy that teaches patients the greatness of phenotypic variation and evolutionary concepts. Gilbert (2009) points out that CFT focuses on distinguishing at least three types of emotion regulation transcriptions brat and security system systems move, resource-seeking and tempestuousness systems and contentment, soothing and safeness systems.The threat and protection system is the source of most psychopathologies and all living things have a threat detection and protection system (Gilbert, 2009). However environmental factors like early life events (unattached mother) may take a shit an individuals threat protection system which in spell lead to the development of safety strategies which can operate automatically as a conditioned or conflicting response (Gilbert, 2009). Safety strategies correspond to Gilbert (2009) can include reduceing interpersonal conflict, seeing ones self as inferior , and being quick to socially enthus iastic and uncertain. Strategies such as these can increase ones pic to depression and low self- esteem and depression (Gilbert, 2009). jibe to Gilbert (2009) the drive system relates to the threat protection system by trying to avoid negativity through thoughts such as shoulds, oughts and musts .Material possessions, and achievement are act in order to feel safe and deter the feeling of inferiority and rejection (Gilbert, 2009). However in depression there is decreased activity in this system.The contentment system is related with being happy and not having the hire to seek for things(Gilbert,2009). Contentment is the absence of activity in the threat protection system. The contentment system is linked to opiates which regulates happy feelings(Gilbert,2009).Bowlbys attachment theory is related to contentment systems because a parent touching and soothing a baby has an effect on a babys physiology (Gilbert, 2009) According to Gilbert (2009) caring behavior is important because it activates the soothing in the threat and protection system and causes it to not be overstimulated. CFT uses attachment theory to answer individuals understand the ecological bases ingrained and communicated through their symptoms and offers reasons for giving up unreal behavioral strategies or defenses.ConclusionTreating depression through an ethological approach treats the root of the problem not just the symptom. CFT approaches depression by considering phenotypic variations and communicate patients of how these variations are a part of an evolutionary process. A depression intervention program like the one modeled which places emphasis on understanding the roles of genes, environment, and psychotherapy can be an effective tool in combating depression.ReferencesBelsky, J., Pluess, M. (2009). beyond diathesis stress Differential susceptibility to environmental influences. doiDOI 10.1037/a0017376Brune, M., Belsky, J., Fabrega, H., Feierman, H., Glibert, H., Glantz, K., Polim eni, J. (2012). The crisis of psychiatry- insights and course catalogue from evolutionary theory. Retrieved from http//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3266750/?tool=pubmedB16Buss, D. (2012) Evolutionary psychology The new science of the discernment 4th ed. Prentice HallGeerts, E., Brune, M. (2009). Ethological approaches to psychiatric disorders Focus on Depression and schizophrenia. Retrieved from http//ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=10emailprotectedhid=104Gilbert, P. (2009). Introducing compassion -focused therapy. 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